9,11-dihalo-5-pregnenes



we. a "mi United States Patent Ofitice 3,013,011 9,11-DiHALO-5-PREGNENES Alexander L. Nussbaum, Leonia, and Eugene P. Oliveto,

Glen Ridge, N.J., assignors to Schering Corporation, 5 Bloomfield, N.J., a corporation of New Jersey N Drawing. Filed Aug. 14, 1959, Ser. No. 833,706 21 Claims. (Cl. 260-239.55)

This invention relates to a new group of thereapeuticaily active A -pregnenes and A -pregnadienes and to methods for their manufacture. In particular, this invention relates to 9u,llfl-dihalogeno-17a,2l-dihydroXy-1,5- pregnadiene-3,20-diones, the analogous 1,2-dihydro compounds and the 2l-esters thereof.

Our novel compounds may be represented by the following structural formulae:

onzo R o=o Y --on l l Z X 39 CH-2O R c=0 Y 011 AW Z X\ wherein A and W are members of the group consisting of hydrogen and methyl; R is a member of the group consisting of H and acyl; X is halogen; Y is a halogen having an atomic Weight less than 126; Z is a member of the group consisting of hydrogen, an alkyl radical preferably having from I to 4 carbon atoms, and OR wherein R is a member of the group consisting of hydrogen and lower alkanoyl, and when R is hydrogen, the 160:,170talkylidenedioxy derivatives thereof.

A bond designated by a Wavy line in the above formulae indicates that the substituent at the 16-position may be in an 0: or ,B-position. In this application, whenever the configuration at 16 is not specifically designated as u or ,8, both configurations are included. Thus, the compound name 9a,llfi-dichloro-l6-methyl-l7a,2l-dihydroxyl,5-pregnadiene-3,20-dione encompasses the two isomeric configurations, namely 90c 11 3 dichloro 16amethyl-l7a,2l-dihydroxy-1,5-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione and 9 x,llfi-dichloro-l6fi-methyl-1711,21 dihydroxy-LS pregnadiene-3,20-dione.

Illustrative of the groups encompassed by the term alky at 016 are such as a-methyl, B-methyl, a-ethyl, p-ethyl, a-propyl, B-propyl, a-isopropyl, B-isopropyl, wbutyl, fl-butyl, a(tert.)-buty1 and ,8-(tert.)-butyl.

Ilustrative of the 21-acyl esters contemplated above are lower alkanoates such as acetate, pro-pionate, tertiary butyl acetate, cyclopentylpropionate. Others prepared from dibasic organic acids are succinate, phthalate, and the sulfobenzoates; and those from polybasic inorganic acids are sulfate, phosphate and the like.

3,013,01 l Patented Dec. 12, 1961 2 The 16a,17a alkylidenediony 5 pregnenes and 1,5- pregnadienes of our invention are derivatives formed from the corresponding l6a-17a-dihydroxy compounds and a carbonyl compound, i.e. a ketone or an aldehyde such as acetone, methyl-ethyl ketone, butyraldehyde, acetophonone, benzaldehyde, formaldehyde, diethyl ketone, propionaldehyde, acetaldehyde and the like. Thus, the alkylidenedioxy derivative of a l6a,17a,2l-trihyd=roXy-5- pregnene of our invention such as 9a,1l/3-dichloro-16a,- l7a,21-trihydroxy-5-pregnene-3,20-dione and, for example, acetone, is 911,1lfi-dichloro-l6a,l7a-is-opropylideu'edioxy-Zl-hydroXy-5-pregnene-3,20-dione. Representative compounds of our invention are:

c, l lfi-dichloro- 1 704,2 1 -dihydroxy-5-pregnene-3,20-dione, 91x, 1 l B-dichloro-l 7a,2l-dihydroiry, 1,5 *pregnadiewne- 3,20-dione, 90:,1 lfl-dichloro-l6-methyl-l7u,2l-dihydroxy-5- pregnene-3,20-dione, 90;,1lfi-dichloro-16-methyl-l7a,2l-dihydroxy-1,5-

pregnadiene-3,20-dione, 6-me'thyl-9a,1l 3-dichloro-l7a,21-dihydroXy-1,5-

pregnadiene-3,20-dione, 9a-1 lfi-dichloro-l60,17a-isopropy lidenedioxy-Zlhydroxy-l ,5-pregnadiene-3,20-dione, 9a,1lfi-dichlorod6a,170:,2l-tIihydr0Xy-5-pregneue-3,20- dione, 2amethyl-9a,l lB-dichloro-l7u,2l-dihydroxy-S-pregnene- 3,20-dione, Y t 9a-1 lfl-dichloro-16or-ethyl-l7oa2 l-dihydroxy-S-pregnene- 3,20-dione, Qa-bromo-l 1 fi-chloro-l 704,2 1 -dihydroxy-l ,S-pregnadierie- 3,20-dione, 9a-bromo-1lfi-chloro-l6tx-ethyl-17a,21dihydroXy-l,5-

pregnadiene-3,20-dione, 9a-bromo-1 lB-fiuoro-l 6oz, 17a-isopropylidenedioXy-21- hydroXy-l ,5-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione, 6-methyl-9ot-chloiro-l lfl-fluoro-17a,2l-dihydroxy-1,5-

pregnadiene-3,20-dione, I 9a,1 1 fi-difiuoro-l706,21-dihydroiry-1,5-pregnadiene-3,20-

dione, 9a,l 1 S-d-ifluoro-l6-methyl-17a,2l-dihydi-oxy-LS- p regnadiene-ZgZO-dione, 90cl'Od0-1 1 fl-fluoro-17a,21-dihydroxy-l,5-pregnadiene- 3,20-dione, 9 Ot-flllOTO-l 1/3-chloro-17a,2l-dihydroXy-5-pregnene- 3,20-dione, 16-metl1yl-9a-chloro-1 l 3-fiuoro-l6m,17a-isopropylidenedioxy-Z l-hydroxy- 1 ,5-pregnadiene-3 ,ZO-dtione, 6,16-dimethy1-9zx, l lfi-dich'loro-l7u,2l-dihydroxy-S- preguene-3 ,20-dione, v 6, l 6-dimethyl-9a,l lB-dichloro-17u,2l-dihydroxy-1,5-

pregn adiene-3 ,20-dione, Za-methyl-h-chloro-l IB-flHOI'O-16a,1700,21-tlihYdl'0XY-5- pregnene-3 ,ZO-dione,

as Well as the 2l-acetates of the foregoing compounds and the 16a,21-dl'8.06l21t68 of the aforementioned l6a,l7a,- ZI-tnlhydroxy compounds. 1

Although all the dihalogeno-S-pregnenes and the dihalogeno-1,5-pregnadienes of Formulae I and II are theta: peutically useful, the preferred embodiment of our invention are the 9a,llfi-dichloro-l,5-pregnadienes of Formula II, and particularly, 9a,llfl-dichloro-16a-methyl :,2 l-dihydroxy-l,5-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione, and 90:,1 1,8- dichloro-l6fi-methyl-l7a,2l-dihydroxy ;'1,5-pregnadiene- 3,20-dione.

The new 901,1lfl-dihalogeno-S-pregnenes and 9a,l1 3 dihalogeno l,S-pregnadienes fallingwithin Formula I and II are anti-inflammatory agentswhich, advantageously are not salt retaining and which exhibit greater activity and a longer duration of activity than the corresponding non-halogenated1,5-pregnadieues Our therapeutically valuable compounds may be administered in the form of tablets with a solid carrier containing one or more of the usual excipients such as starch, sugar, gums, soaps, clays and the like. Where parenteral administration is indicated, subcutaneous or intramuscular injection of a 2l-lower alkanoyl ester dissolved or suspended in a suitable nontoxic liquid vehicle is preferred. Preferably, our 9,ll-dihalgeno-1,5- pregnadienes are administered topically, suspended or dissolved in a carrier suitable for topical application such as a hydrocarbon base of the petrolatum type, absorption bases, hydrophilic petrolatnm bases, water soluble bases containing polyethylene glycols and lotions. In certain instances a water soluble base is preferred so as to permit proper healing of weeping lesions and overcome intertrigo. Our compounds have been found to be topically effective at very small doses and, moreover, are effective in cases which do not respond to other corticosteroids. Topical preparations containing from 0.05 to 0.5% of one of our compounds are advantageously employed.

Our novel compounds are prepared by subjecting either a 9a,l15-dihalogeno-4-pregnene, a 9a,llfl-dihalogeno- 1,4-pregnadiene or a Z-methyl, 6-methyl, lfi-alkyl, 16cchydroxy, 160:,l7oL-fllkYlid6H6diOXY or a polysubstituted derivative of the foregoing, which compounds also have a halogen substituent greater than fluorine at (3-6, to the action of zinc in alcohol or magnesium in ether or tetrahydrofuran. By proper control of acidity and solvent polarity, the A -compounds are formed and isolated. Alternatively, the substituent at C-6 may be pseudohalogen such as tosylate or me'sylate or a lower alkanoyloxy group like acetoxy or propionoxy. When the reaction group in the 6-position is halogen or tosylate, the reaction toward the formation of the 9a,l1,8-dihalogeno-5-pre nenes and the 9a,llfi-dihalogeno-l,S-pregnadienes proceeds smoothly at low temperatures in the range of 25 to 50 C. With a r'nesylate or lower alkanoyloxy ester in the 6-position, higher temperatures in the range of 50-100 C. are preferred to effect the transformation, since at lower temperatures the reaction proceeds quite slowly.

The 90;,1lfl-dihalogeno-4-pregnenes and 1,4-pregnadienes used as starting compounds in our novel process are described in U.S.- Patent No. 2,894,963 of Gould et a1. and in copending applications of Gould et al., Serial Nos. 817,046 and 817,048, filed June 1, 1959, and the methods of their manufacture are described in Examples 26A26D, 30A, 31A, 34A and B, 35A, 36A, 37A, and on pages 68 and 70 of this application.

The 9a,1lB-dihalogeno-4-pregnenes and 1,4-pregnadiene starting compounds, as described in the aforementioned patent and applications of Gould et al., are conveniently prepared by reacting the corresponding 9(ll)- dehydro-4-pregnene or 9 1 l -dehydro-l ,4-pregnadiene with a halogen donor. Typical halogen donors which may be used are:

(1) Molecular halogens such as chlorine or bromine,

(2) Molecular halogen donors such as the addition compounds pyridinium bromide per-bromide, dioxane dibromide, iodobenzene dichloride, lead tetrafluoride, and antimony pentafluoride,

(3) A mixed halogen molecule such as iodine monochloride,

(4) A mixture of reagents comprising a source of fluorine, such as lead dioxide in conjunction with hydrogen fluoride, and iodosobenzene diacetate with hydrogen fluoride,

(5) A mixture of reagents comprising a positive halogen donor such as a molecular halogen or a compound such as N-chloro-succinimide and N-bromoacetamide, together with a halogen ion having an electronegativity equal to or greater than that of the above-mentioned positive halogen donor. Examples of such mixtures are lithium chloride and chlorine, potassium fluoride and N-bromoacetamide, hydrogen chloride and lithium chloride together with N-chlorosuccinimide, and the like. Whenever a mixture of halogen donor reagents such as those just described are present in a reaction mixture, the more electronegative halogen attacks the llposition. Thus, a 9(ll)-dehydro compound reacted with potassium fluoride and N-iodosuccinimide will yield 9oc-i0d0- 1 lfi-fluoro-derivatives.

When preparing 9,1l-dihalogenol-pregnene and 1,4- pregnadiene wherein the more electronegative halogen attacks the 9a-position, such as in a 9et-fltl0t'O-llfi-Chl0f0 derivative, the two halogen atoms may be introduced in a sequence of two distinct reactions. By one such route, a 95,113-oxido-pregnene is treated with a hydrohalic acid to obtain the corresponding 9u-halogeno-11B-hydroxy compound, which may then be subjected to one of several reaction sequences whereby the llfi-hydroxy function is replaced by the desired 11 fi-halogeno group. For example, the llp-hydroxy group may be oxidized with chromic acid to the ll-keto function, followed by sterospecific reduction at 011 to the tat-configuration, such as with sodium amalgam in alcohol. The resulting 9whalogeno-lla-hydroxy compound may then be esterified with a sulfonic acid such as p-toluenesulfonic acid, followed by replacement of the lla-sulfonate with a suitable source of halide ion in an inert solvent. Thus, the lla-p-tosylate of 9a-fluoro-1,4-pregnadiene-lla,l7o;,2ltriol-3,20-dione Zl-acetate upon treatment with lithium chloride in dimethylformamide yields the corresponding llB-chloro derivative.

The necessary C-6-suostituted intermediates are prepared from 3-keto-9oi,1lfi-dihalogeno-4-pregnene and 3-keto-9a,1lfl-dihalogeno-l,4-pregnadiene starting compounds in a variety of Ways. For example, allylic halogenation of a 3-keto-9a,llfi-dihalogenol-pregnene or a 3-keto-9a,lIB-dihalogeno-l,4-pregnadiene with a reagent such as N-bromosuccinimide, N-bromoacetamide, N-chlo rosuccinimide, bromine or chlorine in such solvents as dimethylsulfoxide or dioxane yields the corresponding 6,9a,l1e-trihalogenol-prgenene or 6,9a,llfl-trihalogeno- 1,4-pregnadiene. Esterification of a 6-hydroxy-9a,ll[3- dihalogeno-4-pregnene or a G-hydroxy :,116 dihalogene-1,4-pregnadiene can be made to yield the tosylate, mesylate or lower alkanoate intermediates. These 6-hydroxy-9a,11 8-dihalogeno 4 pregnene and 6-hydroxy- 9a,llB-dihalogeno-l,4-pregnadiene starting compounds are prepared by subjecting a 6-desoxy-9a,1 l B-dihalogeno- 4-pregnene or a 6-desoxy-9a,llB-dihalogeno-1,4-pregnadicue to the microbiological oxygenating action of an organism of the genus (Ihaetomium according to the analogous procedure described in US. Patent No. 2,887,499.

Prior to introducing a substituent at the 6-position of a 4-monoene or a 1,4-diene so as to prepare the immediate precursor of the compounds of our invention, we prefer to esterify any reactive hydroxyl groups which may be present, such as a 016 or (3-21, although this is not necessary when the microbiological hydroxylation at O6 is employed. Thus, for example, in the case of 90L,l1j3 dichloro-l7a,21-dihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene 3,20- dione, the 2l-esters are the preferred starting compounds. In those instances where there is a hydroxyl group also at C-l6, such as in 9a,llfl-dichloro-l6u,l7a,2l-trihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione, the l6a,2l-diesters are the preferred starting compounds.

Thus, when preparing 6,9u,1l,8-trihalogeno-4-pregnene or a 6,9a,1lfi-trihalogeno-l,4-pregnadiene for use as an immediate precursor of a compound of this invention, a preferred method is to brominate a compound such as 911,115 dichloro-l7a,2l-dihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,20- dione ZI-acetate by means of N-bromosuccinimide in an inert Solvent such as chlorobenzene to yield 6,8-brom- 9u,l 1,8 dichlor0-17a,2l-dihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20- dione 2l-acetate. When brominating a compound which already is substituted at (1-6, such as in the case of 6KX,16(1- dimethyl-9a,l lfl-dichloro-l7a,2l-dihydroxy 1,4 pregnadiene-3,20-dione 2l-acetate and 6B,16a-dimethyl-9ot,l16- dichloro-17a,2l-dihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene 3,20 dione 2l-acetate the configuration of the two substituents at C-6 has not been determined and therefore the 6-bromo 6-methyl intermediates are named without indicating the configuration of the bromo and methyl groups, namely as 6 bromo-9a,1lfi-dichloro-6,16a-dimethyl-l7a,2l-dihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 2l-acetate and 6-bromo-9cx,l1,8-dichloro 6,1604 dimethyl-l7u,21-dihydroxy- 4-pregnene-3,20-dione respectively.

It is apparent that the 90;,11fi-dihalogeno-S-pregnenes and the 9 x,1lfl-dihalogeno-l,S-pregnadienes obtained by our process will of necessity contain the original ester protective groupings. These ester groups may be conveniently hydrolyzed either chemically by the use of dilute acid or, preferably, microbiologically by means of Flavobacterium dehydrogenans according to the analogous procedures described in South African Patent No. 3462/55. The polyhydroxy-S-pregnenes and 1,5-pregnadienes thus obtained may be selectively esterified at C-2l by methods well known in the art.

Alternatively, saponification of the protective ester groups may be carried out immediately after introduction of the substituent at C-6 and prior to conversion to a 5-monoene or 1,5-diene. to those methods wherein the intermediary compound contains a halogen at 0-6. The saponification of the ester may be effected by means of a strong acid such as sulfonic, perchloric or p-toluenesulfonic in aqueous alcohol. By way of example, 9a,11,8-dichloro-16u-methyl- 170:,2l-dihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione is esterified to yield 90,1lfi-dichloro-16a-methyl-17u,2l-dihydroxy- 1,4pregnadiene-3,20-dione 2l-acetate, whereupon bromine is introduced at 0-6 by means of N-bromosuccinimide. dihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 2l-acetate may be saponified to form 6-bromo-9a,llfi-dichloro-l6a-methyl- 17a,21-dihydroxy 1,4 pregnadiene-3,20-dione which is then converted into the A -analog by reaction with zinc in alcohol yielding 9a,1lB-dichloro-l6a-methyl-17ot,2ldihydroxy-l,5-pregnadiene-3,20-dione.

A 9a,1lfi-dihflogenoS-pregene or a 9a,l1,B-dihalogno-LS-pregnadiene of Formulae I or II, of which the corresponding 90,1lB-dihalogeno-4-pregnene or 9oz,1113-- diahalogeno-l,4-pregnadiene is not available or known may be prepared from the corresponding 4,9(1l)-pregnadienes or l,4,9(ll)-pregnatrienes by methods outlined in the copending applications of Gould et al., supra. The starting 4,9(11-pregnadienes or 1,4,9(1l)-pregnatrienes may be substituted at the 2 or 6 carbon by a methyl group or at the 16-carbon by a hydroxyl, alkyl, lower alkanoyloxy or, when 016 is hydroxy, a 16a,17aalkylidenedioxy group. These 2,6 or 16-monosubstituted or 2,16 or 6,16-disubstituted-4,9(l1)-pregnadienes and 1,4, 9(l1)-pregnatrienes are prepared by a combination of methods analogous to known procedures. Thus, for example, 6,6,16u dimethyl-l7a,2l dihydroxy-l,4,9(1l)- pregnatriene 3,20-dione is prepared by treating 16ozme-thylhydrocortisone (160: methyl-1lfi,l7a,21 trihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20rdione) with ethylene glycol by known procedures to form the 3,20-bis-ethylene ketal derivative which, in turn, is epoxidized on treatment with a peracid such as peracetic or preferably monoperphthalic acid to give the epoxy derivative, 5a,6a epoxy-16a- This process is applicable only methyl-1l 8,17o,21 trihydroxypregnane-3,20-dione 3,20- bis-ethylene ketal. From this epoxy derivative the 6- methyl substitutent may be introduced into the pregnane nucleus by the addition of a Grignard reagent such as methyl magnesium iodide with subsequent hydrolysis to yield the 5a-l1ydroxy-6fi-methyl compound, i.e. 5a,l1,8, 1704,21 tetrahydroxy-6 8,16tx dimethylpregnane 3,20- dione. A reagent such as ethanolic hydrochloric acid on Sa-hydroxy 6,8-methyl-16a-rnethylpregnane simultaneously dehydrates the Sa-hYdl'OXY group and epimerizes the 6 3-substitutent to yield 6a,16a-dimothy1-l1,8,17oc,21- trihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione. In order to retain a 6,8-configuration, the 5oz-hydroxy-6B-methylpregnane intermediate is treated with, for example, thionyl chloride in a cold basic medium such as pyridine or in approximately acetic acid to give 6,8,16u-dimethyl-1lfi,17a, 21 trihydroxyi-pre'gnene 3,20-dione. The 65,160:- dimethyl-llfi-hydroxypregnane compound thus prepared is dehydrated by a reagent such as methanesulfonyl chloride in the presence of pyridine or phosphorous oxychloride in pyridine to give the necessary intermediate, 6,8, 16a-dimethyl 17a,21-dihydroxy-4,9(11) pregnadiene- 3,20-dione. The A -bond is then introduced by microbiological dehydrogenation with an organism such as Corynebacterz'um simplex (A.T.C.C. 6946) in a manner similar to that described in US. Patent No. 2,837,464 or by chemical dehydrogenation through the use of such reagents as chloranil or selenium dioxide to give the desired intermediate 6,d,l6a-diamethyl-l7a,2l dihydroxy- 1,4,9(11)-pregnatriene-3,20-dione. When preparing a 91x, llfi-dihalogenated derivative of the thus prepared 65- methyl-9(l1)-del1ydro 1,4-pregnadiene, a 60t-1'I1thyl-9(Z, llB-dihalogeno derivative will be formed from acidic reaction media and 6,8-rnethyl-9a,l1/3 dihalogeno-l,4- pregnadiene derivatives will result when the halogenation is carried out in a neutral or basic medium. Thus, for example, the ZI-acetate of 6,8,160tdiIIIEthYi-170t, 21- dihydroxy-l,4,9(1l) pregnatriene-3,ZO-dione (prepared from the 21-alcohol by known techniques) when chlorinated with chlorine in carbon tetrachloride in the presence of pyridine yields the 6,8-methyl halogenated compound, 6 8,l6a-dimethyl-9a,1l/3 dichloro-l7a,2l dihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione. On the other hand, when the 6/3-rnethylpregnatriene is chlorinated with a mixture of lithium chloride, N-chlorosuccinimide and hydrogen chloride, the 6a-methyl intermediate is formed, i.e. 6a,16a-dimethyl-9ix,11fi-dichloro-17a,21 dihydroxyl,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione. 1

This application is a continuation-impart of our copending applications, Serial No. 770,315, filed October 29, 1958 and Senial No. 790,380, filed February 2, 1959, now Patent No. 2,908,696.

The following examples are illustrative of the procedures employed in preparing the compounds of this invention, but are not to be construed as limiting the scope therein; the scope of our invention being limited only by the appended claims.

EXAMPLE 1 A. SB-BROMO-9a,1lfl-DICHLORO-l7a,21-DIHYDROXY-1,4-

PREGNADIENEBQO-DIONE 21-ACETATE A suspension of one gram of 9a,11,8-dichloro-17a,21- dihydroxy-1,4pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione 21-acetate in 160 ml. of chlorobenzene and 95 ml. of carbon tetrachloride is heated to reflux under a blanket of argon gas, and 590 mg. of recrystallized N-bromosuccinimide and 20 mg. of benzoyl peroxide are added. The mixture turns orange and all the suspended solid dissolves. The reaction vessel is illuminated strongly with an electric light source for a period of approximately ten minutes during which time the solution color changes from orange to yellow. Illumination is discontinued when the solution tests negative to starch iodide paper. The reaction solution is cooled to room temperature, diluted with 250 ml. of methylene chloride, and washed twice with 300 ml. of water. The organic layer is separated, dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated at room temperature to a yellow solid residue which is triturated with hexane and filtered to give 1.17 g. of 6B-bromo-9a,1l -dichloro-17a,21-dihydroxy-1,4 pregnadiene-3,20 dione 21-acetate, Ml. 171l80 C. This compound is used without further purification in the following reaction described below.

B. 90.,11B-DICHLORO-17a.,21-DIHYDROXY-1,E-PREGNA- DIENE3,20-DIONE 21-ACETATE The 65-bromo-9a,1113 dichloropregnadiene prepared above is dissolved in 300 ml. of ethanol and -0 ml. of Water, the solution warmed to 50 C. and g. of zinc powder added. The suspension is stirred efficiently for 30 minutes then filtered with supercel. The filtrate is concentrated in vacuo to a residue which is then chromatographed over 35 g. of silica gel. The column is eluted with benzene-ether (5 :1) and the eluates concentrated to a residue which is recrystallized from acetone to give 273 mg. of 90:,1lfi-dichloro-17m,21-dihydroxy-l,S-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate, MP. 246-248" C. (dec) C. 9a,11fi-DICHLORO-170.,21-DIHYDROXY-1,EvPREGNA- I DIENE-3,20-DIONE The 9u,1lfi-dichloro-l,5-pregnadiene-21-acetate, prepared in Example 13, is hydrolyzed to the corresponding 21-alcohol with the aid of a culture of Flavobacteriu m dehydrogenans (Rutgers University Collection No. 13-0) in the following manner.

The culture of the organism is prepared by propagating it in a nutrient agar medium at 30 C. for 24 to 72 hours. During incubation, the inoculated tube is exposed to light with the resultant development of a yellow pigment characteristic of the species. The developed culture is rinsed from an agar slant under strile conditions into a sterile medium of pH 6.8 and having the following composition:

Grams Yeast extract (Difco) 10 Potassium phosphate monobasic 4.48 Sodium phosphate dibasic 4.68

Tap water, to 1 liter.

This culture medium has previously been autoclaved, as at lb. pressure, for twenty minutes to obtain aseptic conditions, and cooled. The variant is grown in the medium under constant illumination, using the visible range of the spectrum. The incubation temperature is maintained at about 33 C. and is conducted under aerobic conditions. Aeration is accomplished by agitation and/ or blowing air through the culture medium.

After the organism has grown for 12 to 24 hours (or longer, if desired), 100 ml. of the growing culture are introduced into each of ten flasks, and to each flask are added 200 mg. of 9:1,11 8-dichloro-17a,2l-dihydroiry-LS- pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate dissolved in a minimum volume of ethanol. The reaction mixtures are then shaken at 30 C'. for 12 to 72 hours. The reaction is stopped when paper chromatography indicates that the starting material has been transformed.

The contents of the ilasks are combined and extracted with methylene chloride. The extracts are concentrated and the residue is crystallized from acetone-hexane affording 902,1 1[3-dichloro-17a,2l-dihydroxy 1,5 pregnzv diene-3,20-dione as a crystalline solid.

8 EXAMPLE 2 6 or I 6-m 0n0-substituteai-9al 1 fl-dic'h Zora-1 711,21 -dihydroxy-I ,5 -pregnadiene-3 ,ZO-d io'ne A. 6 OR 16-MONO-SUBSTITUTED-6BROMO-9a,11fi-DI- CHLORO-17a,21-DIHYDROXY 1,4 PREGNADIENE-3,20- DIONE 21-ACETATE In the manner described in Example 1A,

are each reacted with N-bromosuccinimide in chlorobenzene and carbon tetrachloride and the resultant products isolated and purified to give respectively 6u-methy1-6fi-bromo-9aJ 1B-dichloro-17e-hydroxy-1,4-

pregnadiene-3 ,ZO-dione ZI-acetate, 6fi-bromo-9e,1lfi-dichloro-16u-methyl-17a,21-dihydroXy-1,4-pregnadiene-3 ,ZO-dione 21-acetate, 6fi-bromo-9a,11/3-dichloro-16fl-methyl-17a,2l-dihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione 21-acetate, and 65-bromo,9a,1 1,8-dichloro-16u,17uisopropylidenedioxy- 21-hydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3 ,ZG-dione 21-acetate.

B. 6 OR 16-MONO-SUBSTITUTED-9a.,1IB-DICHIJORO-l'ia, 2l-DIHYDROXY-1,5-PREGNADIENE-3,20-DIONE 21-ACE- TATE In the manner described in Example 1B, the fifi-bromo- ,1lp-dichloropregnadienes prepared as described in EX- ample 2A are each reacted with zinc powder in ethanol Water and the resultant products isolated and purified in the described manner to give respectively 6-methyl-9a,1 lfi-dichloro-17u,21-dihydroxy-1,S-pregnadiene-3,20 dione 21-acetate,

90, 1 1/3-dichloro-1Ga-methyl-l7a,2l-dihydroxy-1,5-pregnadiene-3,20 dione 21-acetate,

90:,1lfl-dichloro-16fi-methyl-17a,21-dihydroxy-l,5-pregnadiene-3,20-dione ill-acetate and 9u,1 l B-dichlorod6u, l7a.isopropylidenedioxy-2 l-hy-droxy- 1,S-pregnadiene-3,20-dione Zl-acetate.

6-methyl-9a,l lfi-dichloro-:,21-dihydroxy-1,5'pregnadiene-3,20-dione, 9a,1IB-dichloro-l6ot-methyl-17a,21-dihydroxy-l,5-pregnadiene-3,20-dione, 9ot,1 lfl-dichloro-lGfi-methyl-17u,21-dihydroxy-l,5-pregnadiene-3,20-dione, and 90:,1lfi-dichloro-l6a,17a-isopropylidenedioxy -21-hydroxy- 1,S-pregadiene-B,ZO-dione.

EXAMPLE 3 7 9a,] 1 fl-aickloro-l 70:,21-dihydroxy-S-pregnene-S,ZO-dione A. 6B-BROMO-9a,11B-DICHLORO-17a,21-DIHYDROXY-4 PREGNENE-3,20-DIONE 21-ACETATE A suspension of 1 g. of 9a,1lfl-dichloro-lhJl-dihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,ZO-dione 21-acetate in chlorobenzene and carbon tetrachloride is reacted with N-bromosuccinimi-de and benzoyl peroxide under argon gas in the manpylidenedioxy-2l-hyclroxy-5-pregnene 3,20 dione,

ner described in Example 1A. The resultant product is isolated and purified in the described manner to give 6 S-bromo-9e,llfi-dichloro-lhil dihydroxy-4-pregnene- 3,20-dione 2l-acetate.

B. 911,1lfi-DICHLORO-l7a,21-DIHYDROXY-5-PREGNENE- 3,20-DIONE 2l-ACETATE The 6[3bIOI110-9ot,l1,8-dlChlOlO-4-pl'6g1le1'1e of Example 3A is reacted with zinc powder in aqueous ethanol in the manner described in Example 1B. The resultant product is isolated and purified in the described manner to give 9a,1lfi-dichloro-l7a,2l-dihydroxy- 5 -pregnene, 3,20-dione Zl-acetate.

C. 9a,11B-DICHLORO17a,21-DIHYDROXY-5-PREGNENE- 3,20-DION E The 2l-acetate of Example 333 is hydrolyzed to the corresponding 2l-alcohol with the aid of a culture of Flavobacterium dehydrogenans and the resultant product isolated and purified in the manner of Example 1C to give 9a,llfl-dichloro-l7a,2l -dihydroxy-5-pregnene- 3,20-dione.

EXAMPLE 4 A. 2 OR lG-MONO-SUBSTITUTED-Gfi-BROMOSa,llfi-DI- CHLOR-17a,2l-DIHYDROXY4-PREGNENE 3,20-DIONE 21-ACETATE B. 2 OR 16 MONO-SUBSTITUTED-9a,111S-DICHLORO-17a, 2l-DIHYDROXY-5-PREGNENE-3,20-DIONE 2l-ACETATE In the manner described in Example 113, the Gti-bromo- 90,llfi-dichlorol-pregnenes prepared as described in Examples 4A are each reacted with zinc powder in ethanol water and the resultant products isolated and purified to give respectively 906,1lfi-dlchlOI'O-16a,17%,21-trlhYdI'0XY- 5-pregnene-3,20-dione 1,6,2l-diacetate,2a-m efihyl-9a,11 3- (llChlCIO-17Ct,2 1-dihydroxy-5-pregnene-3,ZO-dione 2l-acetate, 9x,l lfi-dichloro-l6a,17a-isopropylidenedioxy-2l-hydroxy-5-pregnene-3,20-dione 2l-acetate, and 90,11B-dichloro-lfia-ethyl-l'iall-dihydroxy 5 pregnene- 3,20-

dione 2 l -acetate.

C. 2 OR l6-MONO-SUBSTITUTED-9a,11;3-DICHLORO 170.,21-DIHYDROXY-5PREGNENE-3,2O-DIONE In the manner described in Example 1C, the. 21.-ace- I tate ofthe 9a,1lfi-dichloro-S-pregnenes prepared as de-v scribed in Example 413 are each subjected to the action of a culture of Flavobacterz'zmz d ehydrogenans and the resultant products isolated and purified .to yield respectively 1 1 8-dichloro-16a, l7ot,2l-trihydroxy-5-pregnene-- 3,20-dione, 2ct-methyl-9a,1lfl-dichloro-l7a,2l-dihydroxy- 5-pregnene-3,20-dione, 904,1 1 8-dicl1loro-16a, l7a-isoproand 9a,11,8 dichloro-l6a-ethyl-17u,2l-dihydroxy-5-pregnene- 3,2 0-dione.

EXAMPLE 5 9ot-br0m0-1 1 fi-chloro-J 7 0;,21 -dihydr0xy-I,S-pregnadiene- 3,20-di0ne A. 6B,9a-DIBROMO-11BCHLORO117a,21-DIHYDROXY-1,4 PREGNADIENE-3,20-DIONE ZI-ACETATEl In the manner described in Example 1A, one gram of 9ot-bromo-1lB-chloro l7a,21 dihydroxy 1,4 pregnadiene-3,20-dione 2l-acetate suspended in chlorobenzene and carbon tetrachloride is reacted with N-bromosuccini mide and the resultant product isolated and purified to give 613,9a-dibromo-1lfi-chloro-l7a,21 dihydroxy 1,4- pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate.

B. Sa-BROMOJIB-CHLORO-l7a,21-DIHYDROXY-l,5- PREGNADIENE-3,20-DIONE ZI-ACETATE In the manner described in Example 1B, the 65,90- dibrorno-lIB-chloropregnadiene prepared in Example 5A, is reacted with Zinc powder in ethanol-water. The resultant product is isolated and purified in the described manner to give 9a-brornollfi-chloro-17a,2l-dihydroxy- 1,5-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate.

C. 9aBROMO-1113-CHLORO-17a,21-DIHYDROXY-1,5- PREGNADIENEF3,2O-DIONE The 21-acetate of Example 5B is hydrolyzed to the corresponding 2l-alcohol with the aid of a culture of Flavobacterium dehydrogenans and the resultant product isolated and purified in the described manner of EX- ample 1G to give 9a-bromo-1 lfi-chloro-l7u,2l-dihydroxy-l,S-pregnadiene-3,20-dione.

EXAMPLE 6 J6-subst1'tztted-9a-br0m 0-] 1 S-chloro-l 7 0;,21 -dihydr0xy- J ,S-pregnadiene-3,20-dione A. 1 6 SUBSTITUTED-6 3,9a-DIBROMO-l1B-CHLORO-17a,2l- DIHYDROXY-l,4-PREGNADIENE-3,20-DIONE 21-ACETATE In the manner described in Example 1A, 9a-bromol1,8-chloro-l6a-ethyl-17a,2l-dihydroxy-1,4 pregnadiene- 3,20-dione 2l-acetate and 9ot-bromo-llfi-chloro-l6a,l7otisopropylidene-dioxy-21-hydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene 3,20- dione ZI-acetate are each reacted with N-bromosuccinimide in chlorobenzene and carbon tetrachloride and the resultant product isolated and purified to give respectively 6,B,9a-dibromo-llfl-chloro-l6a-ethyl-17u,2l-dihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate and 6,8,9adibromo-l lB-chloro-l6tx,l7a isopropylidenedioxy 21- hydroxy- 1 ,4-pregnadiene-3 ,"ZO-dione 2 l-acetate.

B. 1 G-SUBSTITUTED-Qa-BROMO-llfi-CHLORO-l 7a,21-DI- HYDROXY-l,5-PREGNADIENE-3,20-DIONEi 21-ACETATE In the manner described in Example 1B, the 6,6,9u-dibromo-l1fl-chloro-1,4-preguadienes prepared as described in Example 6A are each reacted with Zinc powder in ethanol water and the resultant products isolated and purified in the described manner to give respectively 9a-bromo-1LB-chloro-lMethyl-1711,21-dihydroxy 1,5 pregnadiene-3,20-dione ZI-acetate and 9oc-blOII10-11B- chloro-16a,l7a-isopropylidenedioxy 21 'hydroxy 1,5- pregnadiene-3,20-dione ZI-acetate.

C. 1G-S UBSTITCITED-9a-BROMO-ll/SCHLOROJ'M,21- i DIHYDROXY-l,5-PREGNADIENE-3,2O-DIONE In the manner described in Example 1C, the 21-acetate of the Qa-br-omo-llB-chloro-l,S-pregnadienes prepared in above Example 6B are each subjected tothe action of a culture of Flttvobacterium dehydrogenans and the resultant products isolated and purified to :give respectively a-bromo-l l 5-cl1loro-16wethyl :,21 dihydroxy 1,5- pregnadiene-3,20-dione and 9ot-bromo-llfl-chloro-l6a, l7a-isopropylidenedioxy-21-hydroxy 1,5 pregnadiene- 3,20-dione. 7

1 1 EXAMPLE 7 9a-br0m0-11 fi-fluoro-I 70:,21 -dihydroxy-1 ,5 pregnadiene-3,20-dione A 6fi,9a-DIBROMO-11B-FLUORO-17 11,21-DIHYDROXY-1A- PREGNADIENE-3,20-DIONE 21-ACETATE In the manner of Example 113, 65,9a-dibromo-11B- fiuoro-l7u,21-dihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene 3,20 dione 21- acetate is reacted with zinc powder in ethanol water and the resultant product isolated and purified to give 901- bromo-llfi-fluoro-17a,2l-dihydroxy 1,5 pregnadiene- 3,20-dione 21-acetate.

In a similar fashion, 65,9a-dibromo-l1 3-fluoro-17u,21- dihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione Zl-acetate is reacted with zinc powder in ethanol water to give 9oz-bromo-ll 3- fluoro-17a,21-dihydroxy-5-pregnene-3,ZO-dione Zl-acetate.

C. 9a-BROMO-11B-FLUORO-17a,21-DIH'YDROXY-l,5- PREGNADIENE-3,20-DIONE 9ot-br0mo-11 fi-fluoro-I 6 0a,] 7a-is0pr0pylidenedi0xy- 21-hydroxy-1,5-pregnadiene-3,20-di0ne I A. 65,9(1. DIBROMO 115 FLUORO 16:1,170. ISOPROPYL- IDENEDIOXY-21-HYDROXY- 1,4 PREGNADIENE 3,20 DIONE 21-ACETATE In the manner described in Example 1A, 9a-bromo- 115-fluoro-16a,17a-isopropylidenedioxy-21-hydroxy 1,4- pregnadiene-3,20-dione 2l-acetate is reacted with N- bromos-uccinimide in chlorohenzene and carbon tetra- J chloride and the resultant product isolated and purified to give 6fi,9a-dibromo-llp-fiuoro-l6u,17u-isopropylidenedioxy-Zl-hydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate.

B. 9zz-BROMO 115 moose-m ma ISOPROPYLIDENE- proxy-21nxmtoxx-l,s-Prtnemnrnun-azo-moma 21- ACETATE 1n the manner described in Example 1B, the 6,9,9a-dibromo-ll,8-fluoro-1,4-pregnadiene of Example 8A is reacted with zinc in aqueous ethanol and the resultant product isolated and purified to yield QcL-bIOmO-IIfi-fiUOI'O- l6cx,l7lx isopropylidenedioxy 21 hydroxy 1,5 preg nadiene-3,20-dione 2l-acetate.

o. Qe-BROMO-nsFLuoao-re 'm-IsoPRoPYLIDENn- DIOXY-21-HYDROXY-1,5-PREGNADIENE-3,ZODIONE The ZI-acetate of Example 8B is hydrolyzed by means of Flavobac terium dehydrogenans in the manner of Example lC to give 9a-bromo-l IB-fiuoro-16a,17a-isopropylr idenedioxy21-hydroxy-l,5-pregnadiene-3,20-dione.

12 EXAMPLE 9 Qa-ChIOIO-l 1 B-fluoro-l 7 u,21 -dihydroxy-l ,5 pregnadiene3,20-dione A. GIT-BROMO-Qa-CHLORO 11B ILUORO-17a,21-DIHY- DROXY1,4=-PREGNADIENE-3,20-DIONE 21-ACETATE In the manner described in Example 1A, one gram of 9a chloro fiuoro 1711,21 dihydroxy 1,4 pregnadiene-3,20-dione 2l-acetate suspended in chlorobenzene and carbon tetrachloride is reacted with N-bromosuccinimide and benzoyl peroxide under argon gas. The resultant product is isolated and purified in the described manner to give 6,8-bromo-9a-chloro-11p-fiuoro-l7a,2l-dihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate.

B. 90,-CHLORO-1lfi-FLUORO-17a.,21-DIHYDROXY-1,5- PREGNADIENE-3,20-DIONE 21-ACETATE The 6fl-bromo-9a-chloro-lldfluoropregnadiene of Example 9A is reacted with zinc powder in aqueous ethanol and the resultant product isolated and purified in the manner described in Example IE to give 9a-Ch101'0-1lflfiuoro-17m,2l-dihydroxy-1,5-pregnadiene 3,20 dione 21- acetate.

C. Qa-CHLOR'O-llB-FLUORO-l'i' a,21-DIHYDROXY-1,5- PREGNADIENE-3,20DIONE The Zl-acetate of Example 9B is hydrolyzed to the corresponding 21-alcohol with the aid'of a culture of F lavobacterium dehydrogenans and the resultant product isolated and purified in the manner of Example 1C to give 904 chloro 116 fluoro 170:,21 dihydroxy 1,5 pregnadiene-3,20-dione.

EXAMPLE 1O 6 or 16-m0n0 substituted-9:1-chloro-I 1 ,B-fluoro 1711,21- dihydroxy-I ,5-pregnadiene-3,2O-di0ne A. 6 OR 1G-MONO-SUBSTITUTED-6flBROMO-9a-CHLORO- llfi-FLUORO 170.,21-DIHYDROXY lA-PREGNADIENE- 3,20-DIONE ill-ACETATE In the manner described in Example 1A, 9oc-Chl0r0- llfi-fillOlO-l60,l7oc21-l1'ihYdI'OXY-l-A pregnadiene 3,20- dione 16,21 diacetate, 9a-chloro-llfi-fiuoro-lGB-methyl- 17a,21-dihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione 21 acetate, wmethyl-9u-chloro-llfi-fiuoro 17a,21 dihydroxy-l,4- pregnadiene-3,20-dione 2l-acetate, and 9a chloro 11B- fluoro-16a,l'la-isopropylidenedioxy 21 hydroxy 1,4- pregnadiene-3,20-dione Zl-acetate are each reacted with N-bromosuccinimide in chlorobenzene and carbon tetrachloride. The resultant products are isolated and purified to give respectively 66-bromo-9a-chloro-11fl-fiuoro-16u; 17a,21-trihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene 3,20 dione 16,21- diacetate, 6B-bromo-9a-chloro-llfi-fluoro methyll7a,2l-dihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21 acetate, 6B-bromo-9a-chloro-1lfi-fluoro-6a-methyl 17a,21 dihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21 acetate, and 65- bromo-9a-chloro-llfl fiuoro 16ot,17oc isopropylidenedioxy-Zl-hydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione Zl-acetate.

B. 6 OR IG-MONO-SUBSTITUTED 9a CHLORO-11fi-FLU- ORO-17a,21 DIHYDROXY 1,5 PREGNADIENE-3,20-DI- ONE 21-ACETATEE pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate, 6u-methyl-9ot-chloro- 1lfl-fiuoro-l7a,2l-dihydroxy-1,5-pregnadiene-3,20 dione ZI-acetate, and 9a-chloro-1lfl-fiuoro-16u,17ot-isopropylidene-dioxyal-hydroxy-l,5-pregnadiene 3,20- dione 21- w acetate.

C. 6 OR 16-MONO-SUBSTITUTED 9a CHLORO-11B-FLU- ORO-l7a,21 DIHYDROXY 1,5 PREGNADIENE-3,20-DI- ONE In the manner described in Example 1C, the ZI-acetate of the 1,5-pregnadienes prepared in Example 108 are each hydrolyzed with the aid of a culture of Flavobacterizmz dehydrogenans and the resultant products isolated and purified to give respectively 9a-chloro-11fi fluoro l6a,l7a,2l-trihydroxy-l,S-pregnadiene 3,20 dione, 90cchloro-llfl-fiuoro-16fi-methyl 170:,21 dihydroxy 1,5- pregnadiene-3,20-dione, 6-methyl-9m-chloro-11B fluoro- 17u,2l-dihydroxy-1,5-pregnadiene 3,20 dione and 9achloro-llfl-fiuoro-l6a,17a isopropylidenedioxy 21-hydroxy-1,5-pregnadiene-3,20 dione.

EXAMPLE 1 l 2ot-methyl-9a-chl0r0-JLB fluoro 1704,21 dihyaroxy-S- pregnene-3,20-dine A. 2a-METHYL-Sfi-BROMO9a-CHLORO-1lfl-FLUORO 1711,21- DIHYDROXY4-PREGNENE-3,20DIONE 21 ACETATE In the manner described in Example 1A, 2a-methyl- 9zxChlOr0-l1,B-fil]O1'017ot,21 dihydroxy 4 pregnene- 3,20-dione 21-acetate is brominated with N-bromosuccinimide in chlorobenzene and carbon tetrachloride and the resultant product isolated and purified to give 20;- methyl-6,8-bromo-9a-chloro llfl-fluoro 170;,21 dihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione 2l-acetate.

DROXY-S-PREGNENE-3,20-DIONE 2l-ACETATE In the manner described in Example 1B, 2a-methyl 6fi-bromo-9a-chloro-lLB-fiuoro 17a,2l dihydroxy 4- pregnene-3,20-dione 2l-acetate is reacted With zinc powder in aqueous ethanol and the resultant product isolated and purified to give 2a-methyl-9a-chloro 1113 fluorol7m,21-dihydroxy-5-pregnene-3,ZO-dione 2l-acetate.

c. 2a-METHYL-9aCHLORO-11fi-FLU0RO-1711,21- DIHYDROXY--PREGNENE-3,20DIONE The 21-acetate of the 5-pregnene prepared in Example 11B is subjected to the action of a culture of F lavobac- 'terizmz dehydrogenans in the manner described in Example 1C and the resultant product isolated and purified to give Za-l'nfithYl-9u-Chl0lO-1lfifil1OI0-l7a,21 dihydroxy-S- pregnene-3,20-dione.

EXAMPLE 12 904,11fl-diflll0l0-1 7a,21-dihydr0xy 1,5-pregnadiene- 3,20-di0ne A. SB-BROMO-S)(1,11fi-DIFLUORO-l'l'a,21-DIHYDROXY-1,4- PRE GNADIENE-3,20-DIONE 21-ACETATE In the manner described in Example 1A, 9a,11[3-difluoro-l7a,2l-dihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,2() dione 21- acetate is brominated with N-bromosuccinimide in chlorobenzene and carbone tetrachloride and the resultant produce isolated and purified to give 6,8-bromo-9u,1lfl-difiuoro- 17u,21-dihydroxy1,4-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione 21 acetate.

B. 9a,1lj3-DIFLUORO-17a,21 DIHYDROXY-L5-PREGNA- DIENE-3,20-DIONE 21-ACETATE In the manner described in Example 1B, 6fi-bromo- 9a-1lfi-difiuoro-l7a,2l-dihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene 3,20- dione 2l-acetate is reacted With zinc in aqueous ethanol and the resultant product isolated and purified to give 9a,1lfi-difluoro-l701,2l-dihydroxy-l,S-pregnadiene 3,20- dione ZI-acetate.

C. 9a,1lfl DIFLUORO-l7a,21-DIHYDROXY1,5-PREGNA DIENE-3,20-DIONE The 21-acetate of the 1,5-pregnadiene of Example 12B is hydrolyzed with the aid of a culture of F Iavob zrcterium dehydrogenans in the manner described in Example and the resultant product isolated and purified to give 906,11/3-dlfill0IO-17Ct,21 dihydroxy 1,5 pregnadiene- '3,20-dione.

dehydrogenans to 14 EXAMPLE 13 A. 6 OR 16-MONO-SUBSTITUTED e 613 BROMO-9a,11,6-DI- FLUORO-17a,2l-DIHYDROXY 1,4 PREGNADIENE-3,20- DIONE 21-ACE'1ATE B. 6 OR 16-MONO-SUBSTITUTED-9a,1lfi DIFLUORO-l7t 21-DIHYDROXY-1,5-PREGNADIENE-3,20-DIONE 2l-ACE TATE In the manner of Example 1B, the 613-brom=o-9a,llfldifluoro-i,4-pregnadienes prepared in above Example 13A are each reacted with zinc in aqueous ethanol and the resultant products isolated and purified to give respectively 6a-methyl 9a,1lfl difiuoro-17a,2l-dihydroxy- 1,5-pregnadiene 3,20-dione ZI-acetate, 906,115 difiuoroc-II1Btl'lyl.17cc,21-dlhydrOXy-1,5 pregnadiene 3,20-dione 21-acetate, and 901,1lfl-difiuoro-l6,8-methyl-l7a,21- dihydroxy-l,S-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 2l acetate.

C. 6 OR 16 MONO-SUBSTITUTED-9a,1lfl-DIFLUORO- 17u,21-DIHYDROXY-1,5-PREGNADIENE-3,20-DIONE The Zl-acetates of the 9oc,11/3-difluoro-L5-pregnadienes of Example 13B are hydrolyzed in the manner described in Example 10 with the aid of Flavobacterium give respectively 6a-methyl-9oz,11[3-difluoro-:,2l-dihydroxy-l,S-pregnadiene 3,20-dione, 9a, 11 3 difiuoro-16cx-methyl-170:,21- dihydroxy-LS pregnadiene-3,20-dione and 90:,115 difluoro-16,B methyl-17a, 2l-dihydroxy-1,5-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione.

EXAMPLE l4 In the manner of Example 1A, 9a,l1,B-difiuoro-17u,2ldihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,ZO-dione 21-acetate is brominated with N-bromosuccinimide in chlorobenzene and carbon tetrachloride and the resultant product isolated and purified to give 6,6-bromo 90,11,B difluoro171x,21-dihy droxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione ZI-acetate.

Similarly, 2a-rnethy1-9a,1 lfi-difiuoro-l7vt,2l-dihydz oxy- 4-pregnene-3,20-dione 21-acetate is brominated with N- bromosuccinimide to give 2u-methyl-6fl-bromo-9a,llfi-difiuOrO-17u,2l dihydroxy-4 pregnene-3,20-dione 21-acetate.

B. 9a,1lfi-DIFLUORO-17 at,21 DIHYDROXY-S-PREGNENI]- 3,20-DIONE 21ACETATEl In the manner of Example 1B, 6,8-bromo-9a,11,B-difluoro-l7a, 21-dihydroxy-4-pre'gnene-3,ZO-dione 21-acetate is reacted with Zinc powder in aqueous ethanol and the resultant product isolated and purified to give 90;,11 8- difluoro-17u,2l-dihydroxy-S pregnene-3,20-dione 2l-acetate.

In a similar manner, 2u-methyl-6/3-bromo-9a,1l/B-difluproduct isolated and purified to EXAMPLE 15 90:,115 dibromo-l 70,21 -dihydrxy-l' ,5 -pregnadiene-3,20- dione A. 65,941,11fi-TRIBROIVIO-1'T a,2l-DIHYDROXY-1A-PREGNA- DIENE-3,20-DIONE 21-ACETATE In the manner described in Example 1A, 90;,11B-dibromo-lhQl-dihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene 3,20-dione 21- acetate is reacted with N-bromosuccinimide in chlorobenzene and carbon tetrachloride and the resultant product isolated and purified to give 6fl,9a,11B-tribrom0-17a,21- dihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione 21-acetate.

B. QaJIH-DIBROMO-l'ia,21DYHYDROXY-1,5'PREGNA- DIENE-3,20-DIONE ill-ACETATE In the manner described in Example 113, 65,906,115- tribrorno-17u,2l-dihydroxy-1,4 pregnadiene 3,20-dione ill-acetate is reacted with zinc powder in aqueous ethanol and the resultant product isolated and purified to give 9u,11 3-dibromo-17a,2l-dihydroxy-l,5 pregnadiene- 3,20-dione 21-acetate.

C. 9a.,11fi-DIBROMO-17a,21-DIHYDROXY-1,5-PREGNA- DIENE-3,20-DIONE The 21-acetate of the 6,8,9a,1lfi-tribromo-LS-pregnadiene of Example 153 is hydrolyzed by means of F lavobacterium dehydrogenans and the resultant product isolated and purified to give 904,1113-dibromo-17a,21-dihydroxy-l,5-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione.

EXAMPLE 16 9a-i0do-l1p chl0r0-17a,21-dihydroxy-1,5 pregnadz'ene- 3,20-di0ne A. Gfl-BROMO-Qa-IODO-llfi-CHLORO-17a,21-DIHYDROXY- 1,-PREGNADIENE-3,20DIONE 21-ACETATE In the manner of Example 1A, 9a-iodo-1lB-chloro- 17,21-dihydroxy-1 4-pregnadiene-3,20dione 21-acetate is brominated with N-brornosuccinimide in chlorobenzene and carbon tetrachloride and the resultant product isolated and purified to give 6fl-bromo-9a-iodo-1lB-chlom 17a,21'dihydnoxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione Zl-acetate.

B. 9a-IODO-115-CHLORO-l7a,21-DIHYDROXY-1,5-PREG- NADIENE3,20-DIONEl ill-ACETATE In the manner described in Example 1B, 6,8-bromo-9aiodo-llfl-chloro-l7ot,2l-dihydroxy- 1,4 pregnadiene-3,20 dione ZI-acetate is reacted with zinc powder in aqueous ethane! and the resultant product isoiated and purified to give 9oz-i0dO-1 lp-chloro-17a,21-dihydr0xy 1,5 pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate.

C. 9a-IODO-1lfi-CHLOROl7a,21DIHYDROXY-1,5-PREG- V NADIENE-3,20-DIONE The 2l-acetate of Example 163 is hydroxyed in the manner described in Example 1C with the aid of a culture of Flavobacterium dehydrogenans and the resultant give 9oz-i0dO-1Ifi-Ch10f0- 17a,2l-dihydroxy-1,5-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione.

A. Gfl-BROMO-Qa-IODO-llfi-FLUORO-l 711,21-DIHYDROXY- 1,4-PREGNADIENE-3,20-DIONE 21-ACETATE In the manner of Example 1A, 9ot-iodo-11fi-fiuoro- 17e,21-dihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21 acetate is reacted with N-bromosuccinirnide in chlorobenzene and carbon tetrachloride and the resultant product isolated and purified to give 6B-bromo-9wiodo-11B-fiuoro-17u,2ldihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3 ,ZO-dione 21-acetate.

In a similar fashion, 9oz-iOdO-11fl-fi1l0I0-16a,17ai80- propyiidenedioxy-2l-hydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20- dione 21-acetate is brominated with N-bromosuccinimide to give 6,8-bromo-9u-iodo-1ifl-fiuoro l6e,17a isopropylidenedioxy-Zl-hydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione ZI-acetate.

B. Qa-IODO-llfi-FLUORO-17a,21-DIHYDROXY-1,5-PREG- NADIENE-3,20-DIONE. 21-ACETATE In the manner of Example 1B, 6fi-bromo-9a-iodo-11B- fl11010-17c ,2 l-dihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene 3,20 dione 21- acetate is reacted with zinc in ethanol and the resultant product isolated and purified to give 9u-iodo-11l3-fiuoro- 1711,21-dihydroxy-1,5-pregnadiene-3,2O-dione 21-acetae.

Similarly, 6B-bromo-9a-iodo-11B fluoro l6a,17a-is0- propylidenedioxy-Zl-hydroxy-1,4-pregnadier1e-3,20 dione 21-acetate prepared as described in Example 17A is reacted with zinc powder in aqueous ethanol to give 9eiodo-l l ft-chloro-16a,17a-isopropylidenedioxy-2l hydroxy- 1,5-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione Zl-acetate.

C. SwIODO-llflFLUORO-l7a,21-DIHYDROXY-1,5- PREGNADIENE-3,20-DIO NE 9a-iodo-11p-fiuoro-17ot,2l-dihydroxy- 1,5 pregnadiene- 3,2-dione Zl-acetate is hydrolyzed by means of a culture of F lavobacterium dehydrogenans in the manner described in Example 1C to give c-i0d0-1lfi-fiuOl'O-17a,2ldihydroxy-l,5-pregnadiene-3,20-dione.

dioxy-2l-hydroxy-1,5-pregnadiene-3,ZQ-dione 21-acetate is hydrolyzed with F lavobacterium dehydrogenans to give 9oc-i0d0-1 l fi-fiuoro-16a,17a-isopropylidenedi0xy 21 hydroxy-1,5 -pregnadiene-3,20-dione.

EXAMPLE 18 9oz- Moro-1 Ifl-bromo-l 7a,21-dihydr0xy-1 ,5-pregnadiene- 3,20-dione A. 65,1lfi-DIBROMO-Qa-FLUORO-17a,21-DIHYDROXY-1,4-

PREGNADIENE-3,20-DIONE 21-ACETATE In the manner of Example 1A, 9e-fiuoro-11p-bromo- 1711,21-dihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,2O-dione 21-acetate is brominated with N-bromosuccinimide in chlorobenzene and carbon tetrachloride and the resultant product isolated and purified to give 65,11B-dibromo-9ot'fluoro- 17a,21-dihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione Zi-acetate.

In the same manner, 9m-fluoro-llfl-bromo-lhJl-dihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,ZO-dione 21-acetate is brominated with N-bromosuccinimide to give 6 3,ll 8-dibromo-9a-fiuoro- 17m,2l-dihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione 21-acetate.

B. 9a-FLUORO-l1B-BROMO-170.,21-DIHYBECKY-1,5- PREGNADIENE-3,20DIONE. 21-ACETATE In the manner of Example 13, 6B,1lp-dibromo-9ufluoro-l7a,21-dihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene 3,20 dione 21- acetate is reacted with zinc powder in aqueous ethanol and the resultant product isolated and purified to give 90:- fiuoro-l1fi-bromo-l7a,2l-dihydroxyd,5-pregnadiene-3 ,20- dione 21-acetate. 7

pregnene-3,20-dione 2l-acetate' prepared as described in Example 18A is reacted with zinc in aqueousalcohol to give 9a-fiuoro-1lp-brorno-l7tx,21-dihydroxy-5 pregnene- 3,20-dione ill-acetate.

I 7 o. 9a-FLUORO-1l S-BROMO-17ct,21-DIHYDROXY-1,5- PREGNADIENE-3,20-DIONE In the manner described Example 1C, 9m-fiuoro-l1fibromo-17a,21-dihydroxy-l,5-pregnadiene-3,2O dione 21- acetate is hydrolyzed by means of Flavobacterium dehydrogerzans and the resultant product isolated and purified to give 9ct-fluoro-l lfi-bromo-l70,2l-dihydroxy-l,5-pregnadiene-3,20-dione.

Similarly, 9a-fiuoro-l 1B-bIOI1l0-17a,2l dihydroxy-S- pregnene-3,20-dione 2l-acetate is hydrolyzed by means of F lavobacterium dehydrogenans to give 9oc-fluoro-l1fibromo-17u,2l-dihydroxy-5-pregnene-3,ZO-dione.

EXAMPLE 19 DROXY-l,4PREGNADIENE-3,20-DIONE 21-ACETATE In the manner of Example 1A, 9a-flu0ro-11B-chloro- 17a,2l-dihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione 21 acetate is brominated with N-bromosuccinimide in chlorobenzene and carbon tetrachloride and the resultant product isolated and purified to give 6B-bromo-9a-fluoro-l lfi-chloro-lh, 2l-dihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione 2l-acetate.

In similar manner, 9tx-fluoro-l1B-chloro-17a,21-dihy droxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione 2l-acetate is brominated with N-bromosuccinimide to give 6,B-bromo-9a-fiuoro-l 1,8- chloro-17a,2l-dihydroxy 4 pregnene-3,20-dione 21-acetate.

B. Qa-FLUORO-llB-CHLORO-l7a,21-DIHYDR-OXY 1,5- PREGNADIENE-S,20-DIONE 2l-ACETATE In the manner of Example 1B, 6,6-brom-9a-fluoro-11B- chloro-l7iz,21-dihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21- acetate is reacted with zinc powder in aqueous ethanol and the resultant product isolated and purified to give 9afluoro-l lfl-chloro- 17m,21-dihydroxy-1,5,pregnadiene-3,20- dione 21-acetate.

In similar manner, 6,8-bromo-9a-fiuOro-1lit-chloro- 17a,21-dil1ydroxy-4pregnene-3,20-dione 21-acetate prepared as described in Example 19A is reacted with zinc in aqueous ethanol to give 9a-fluoro-1l[ichloro-17a,21- dihydroxy--pregnene-3,ZO-dione ZI-acetate.

C. 9a-FLUORO-11fi-CHLORO-17 a,2l-DIHYDROXY-l,5- PREGNADIENE-ZSQODIONE The 2l-acetate of the 1,5-pregnadiene of Example 19B i hydrolyzed with F lavobacterium dehydrogenans in the manner of Example 1C and the resultant product isolated and purified to give 9a-fluoro-l 15-chloro-17a,2l-dihydroxy-1,5-pregnacliene-3,ZO-dione.

In similar manner, 9a-fluoro-l1/3-chloro-l7a,21-dihydroxy-S-pregnene-3,20-dione ZI-acetate prepared as described in Example 19B is hydrolyzed with Flavobacterium dehydrogemms to give 9a-fiuoro-l1 3-cl1loro17a,21- dihydroxy-5-preguene-3,ZO-dione.

EXAMPLE 20 In the manner of Example 113, the GBJI S-dibrQmO-Qa- 18 chloro-1,4-pregnadiene of Example 20A is reacted with zinc powder in aqueous ethanol and the resultant product isolated and purified to give 9ct-chlor0-11 8-bromo-17a,21- dihydroxy-l,5-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione 21-acetate.

Similarly, 6,6,1 1 3-Clib1OH1O-9a-ChlOIO-170,2l-dlhYClIOXY- 4-pregnene-3,20-dione 21-acetate prepared as in Example 20A is reacted with zinc in aqueous ethanol to give 9w chloro-llfi-bromo-l7a,2l-dihydroxy 5 pregnene-3,20- dione 2l-acetate. I

C. 9a-CHLORO-1lfi-BROMO-17a,21-DIHYDROXY-1,5- PREGNADIENE-3,20-DIONE The Zl-acetate of the 1,5-pregnadiene of Example 20B is hydrolyzed in the manner of Example 1C with a culture of F lavobacterz'um dehydrogenans and the resultant product isolated and purified to give 9a-chloro-1118-bromol7a,2l-dihydroxy-1,5-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione.

In similar manner, 9a-chloro-llfi-bromo-lhJl-dihydroxy-5-pregnene-3,ZO-dione 21-acetate is hydrolyzed with Flavobacterium dehydrogenans to give 9oc-ChlOIO-11fibromo-l70:,21-dihydroxy-5-pregnene-3,ZO-dione.

EXAMPLE 21 A. (Ea-METHYL-GB-BROMO 9e cnLono-ilenLuoaoaea, 17a ISOPROPYLIDENEDIOXY-Zl-HYDROXY-l,-PREG- NADIENE-3,20-DIONE 2l-ACETATE According to the procedure of Example 1A, 6amethyl 9cz-Cl1lOIO-l1fl-fitl0r0 :,170; isopropylidenedioxy-Zlhydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione 2l-acetate is brominated with N-bromosuccinimide in chlorobenzene and carbon tetrachloride and the resultant product isolated and purified to give fiat-methyl-6 8-bromo-9tx-chloro-1lflfluoro-l6a,l7a-isopropylidenedioxy-2l-hydroxy 1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate.

B. G-METHYL-Sa-CHLORO-llfi-FLUORO 16:1,17a-ISOPRO- PYLIDENEDIOXY 21 HYDROXY 1,5-PREGNADIENE- 3,20-DIONE ZI-ACETAIE In the manner of Example 113, the 6a-methyl-6fl-bromo- 9a-chloro-1lfl-fluoro-LS-pregnadiene of Example 21A is reacted with zinc powder in aqueous ethanol and the resultant product isolated and purified to give 6-methyl-9uchloro-llfl-fluoro 160:,1711 isopropylidenedioxy-Zl-hydroxy-1,5-pregnadiene-3,20-dione ZI-acetate.

C. 6-METHYL-9a-CHLORO 11B FLUORO-16a,17a-ISOPRO- PYLIDENEDIOXY 21 HYDROXY 1,5-PREGNADIENE- 3,20-DIONE The 21-acetate of Example 21B is hydrolyzed with Flavobaclerium dehydrogenans in the manner described in Example 1C to give 6-methyl-9a-chloro1lfi-fiuoro- 1 60, 17a-isopropylidenedioxy-21-hydroxy-1,5-pregnadiene- 3,20-dione.

EXAMPLE 22 B. 2a METHYL 9a CHLORO-ll/S-FLUORO 16a,17a Is0- PROPYLIDENEDIOXY 21 HYDROXY- 5 PREGNENE- 3,20DIONE 2l-ACETATE In the manner of Example 1B, the 2a-metl1yl-6fl-bromo- 1lB-fluoro-4-pregnene of Example 22A is reacted with zinc in aqueous ethanol and the resultant product isolated and purified to give 2a-methyl-9a-chloro-l Ill-fluoro- 23 dichloro 16oz,l7ci methylenedioxy 2l-hydroxy-1,5-pregnadiene-3,20-dione Zl-acetate.

c. 9a,11B-DIHALOGENO-1ea,17a-ALKYLIDENEDIOXY-21- HYDROXY-l,5-PREGNADIENE-3,20-DIONE The 21-acetate of the 9a,llB-dihalogeno-1,5-pregnadienes prepared in Example 24B are each hydrolyzed according to the procedure of Example 10 and the resultant products isolated and purified to give 9Ut-bIOIl'lO-11/3- fiuoro l6et,l7a ethylidenedioxy-2l-hydroxy-l,5-pregnadiene 3,20-dione, 9a,ll 8-dichloro-l6ot,Not-secondary butylidenedioxy 2l-hydroxy-l,5,pregnadiene-3,20-dione, and 9a,1 1 fl-dichloro-l 61x, 17a-methylenedioxy-21-hydroxy- 1,5-pregnadiene-3,20-dione.

EXAMPLE 25 65,16a-dimethyl-17a,21-dihydr0xy-1,4,9(11 pregnazriene-iZO-dione ZI-acetate A. wantnrnrni1 s,17a,21amrnxnaoxr-s-nnnonnnn 3,20-DIONE 3,20-BIS-ETHYLENE KETAL 16a methyl-11,8,1741,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20- dione (15 g.) in 1 liter of dry benzene and 390 ml. of ethylene glycol is refluxed under a Dean-Stark separator for 22 hours in the presence of 0.5 g. of p-toluenesultonic acid. After the addition of 0.6 g. of sodium hydroxide in 20 ml. of methanol, the reaction mixture is diluted with water and the organic layer separated. The benzene layer is washed with 5% aqueous sodium carbonate and then with water and concentrated in vacuo to a residue which is crystallized from benzene-hexane to give 16emethyl 1l/3,17oz,21 trihydroxy 5 pregnene 3,20- dione 3,20-bis-ethylene ketal.

In a similar manner, 16;.8-methyl-l 1,8,17a,21-trihydroxy- 4-pregnene-3,20-dione is reacted with ethylene glycol to give 16 8 methyl 11B,l7a,2l-trihydroxy 5 pregnene- 3,20-dione 3,20-bis-ethylene ketal.

B. 5a,6a-EPOXY-l6@METHYL-l1,3,17a,21-TRIHYDROXY- PREGNANE3,20-DIONE 3,20-BIS-ETHYLENE KETAL A solution of 7.5 g. of l6ct-methyl-llfi,l7ot,2l-trihydroxy-5-pregnene-3,20-dione 3,20-bis-ethylene ketal in 300 ml of chloroform containing 3 drops of pyridine is reacted with a solution of 14.9 g. of mono-perphthalic acid in 190 ml. of ether at C. The mixture is allowed to stand at 0 C. for 24 hours, then diluted with ether and Washed four times with aqueous sodium bicarbonate and one time with water. The solution is dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated in vacuo to a residue which is chromatographed on Florisil. The ether eluates are concentrated to a residue which is crystallized from acetone-hexane to give 5m,6u-epoxy-l6a methyl 1l,8,l7a,21 trihydroxypregnane 3,20 dione 3,20-bis-ethy1ene ketal.

In a similar manner, 16,8 methyl l1fi,l7a,2l-trihydroxy-5-pregnene-3,ZO-dione 3,20-bis-ethylene ketal is reacted with mono-perphthalic acid according to the above procedure to give 5a,6a-epoxy-16B-methy1-115,17a, 21-trihydroxypregnane-3,20-dione 3,20-bis-ethylene ketal.

o. 6,6,16a-DIMETHYL-llfi,17ct,21TRIHYDROXY4-PREG- NENE-3,20-DIONE 5z,6a epoxy 16cc methyl 11B,17a,21 pregnane-3,20-dione 3,20-bis-ethylene ketal (3.9 g.) is dissolved in 220 ml. of tetrahydrofuran and 220 m1. of benzene and then is added to methyl magnesium iodide prepared from 5.3 g. of magnesium and 15.6 ml. of methyl iodide in 210 ml. of ether. The reaction mixture is heated to distill the ether and then refluxed for 18 hours. The aqueous amonium chloride solution is added and and concentrated. The resultant residue is dissolved in 550 ml. of acetic acid and 40 ml. of water and the solution of refluxed for 2 hours, then diluted with water and extracted with methylene chloride. The organic layer is Washed to neutrality with water, dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated to a residue which is crystallized trihydroxythe organic layer separated, washed with water- 22 from acetone hexane to give 6,3,16ot-dimethyl-llp,l7a,2ltrihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione.

In a similar manner, 5a,6c-epoxy-16,8-methyl-l15,1704, 21 trihydroxypregnane 3,20 dione 3,20 bis ethylene ketal (prepared as described in Example 258) is reacted with methyl magnesium iodide in the manner described above and the resultant product isolated and purified to give 65, l 6,8-din1ethy1-l 1/3, l7a,21-trihydroxy-4 pregnene-3, 20-dione.

D. 6,6-16a-DIMETHYL-l15,17a,21-TRIHYDROXY-4-PREG NENE-3,20-DIONE 21-ACETATE To 1 g. of 6p,l6a-dimethyl-ll/8,l7ot,2l-trihydroxy-4- pregnene-3,20dione there is added 0.5 ml. of acetic anhydride in 2.3 ml. of pyridine. After standing for 1 hour at room temperature, the mixture is poured into ice and hydrochloric acid. The resultant precipitate is filtered and crystallized from aqueous methanol to yield 6,6,163 dimethyl l1fi,l7a,21 trihydroxy 4 pregnene 3,20-dione 2l-acetate.

In a similar manner, 6B,16,8-dimethyl-llfl,l7a,2l-trihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione (prepared as described in Example 25C) is esterified with acetic anhydride to give 6536p dimethyl llfi,l7tx,2l trihydroxy 4 pregnene-3,20-dione 2l-acetate.

E. 65,l6a-DIMETHYL-17a,21-DIHYDROXY-4r,9 (ID-PREG- NADIENE-3,20-DIONE 21-ACETATE 1.5 grams of 6,6,l6wdimethyl-1lfl,l7a,2l-trihydroxy-4- pregnene-3,20-dione 2l-acetate are dissolved in 20 ml. of ry dimethylformamide and 4 ml. of dry pyridine. The solution is chilled in an ice bath and to it is added dropwise 2.58 g. of methanesulfonyl chloride which has been diluted to 30 ml. with dimethylformamide. After the addition has been completed, stirring is continued at room temperature for 48 hours. The reaction mixture is then poured into cold dilute sulfuric acid and the precipitated substance is filtered, air dried and crystallized from methanol to yield 6,8,16ot-dimethyl-l7a,21-dihydroxy-4,9 l l -pregnadiene-3,20-di0ne 2l-acetate.

In similar fashion, 65,16fi-dimethyl-l1fl,17ot,21-tri hydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione 21-acetate is reacted with methanesulfonyl chloride in pyridine-dimethylformamide in the manner described above to give 6B,l6p-dimethyl- 17 a,2l-dihydroxy-4,9 1l)-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 2l-acetate.

F. 6,5,1But-DIMETHYL-l7a,2l-DIHYDROXY-1,4,9(11)- PREGNATRIENE-3,20DIONE 21-ACETATE 65,16 dimethyl 17ot,21 dihydroxy 4,9(11) pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate is subjected to the action of a culture of Corynebacterium simplex in the following manner:

A ml. broth culture containing a 0.1% yeast extract concentration, 9.0 ml. of 0.2 M Iii-1 1 0 and 9.0 ml. of 0.2 M Na I-IPO contained in a 300 ml. Erlenmeyer flask, is seeded with 1 m1. of a 24-hour broth culture of Coiynebacteritem simplex (A.T.C.C. 6946). The flask iS incubated at 28 C. for 24 hours. A second 300 ml. Erlenmeyer flask containing mg. of sterile 6,8,16ot-dimethyl 17 t,2l dihydroxy 4,9(11) pregnadiene- 3,20-dione Zl-acetate in 5.0 ml. acetone is inoculated with the 24-hour culture of Corynebacterium simplex. The culture-containing steroid solution is incubated for 48 hours at 28-30 C.

After termination of the transformation period, the pH is 7.27.3. The culture is now directly extracted with 3 equal volumes of CHCl the solvent volumes combined and concentrated on a Steam bath to a residue which is crystallized from acetone-hexane to give 6fl,l6ct-dimethyl 17ot,2l dihydroxy 1,4,9( 1 l) pregnatriene 3,20 dione 2l-acetate.

Similarly, 66,16,8-dimethyl-17a,2l-dihydroxy-4,9( l1)- pregnadiene 3,20-dione 2l-acetate is oxidized by means of Corynebrzcterium simplex in the manner described above to give 65,l6/3-dimethyl-l7a,21-dihydroxy-l,4, 9(11)-pregnatriene-3,20-dione ZI-acetate.

lated and purified to give 23 EXAMPLE 26 6,1 d-dimethyl-9u,1l{3-dichl0r0-1 70:,21 -dihydrxy-1 ,4- pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate A. 66,160. DIMETHYL 911,115 nrorrLono 17a,2.l-DIHY- DROXY-l,d-PREGNADIENErBQO-DIONE 21-ACETA'1E 0.7 grams of 6fi,l6a-dimethyl-l7u,2l-dihydroxy-l,4, 9(ll)-pregnatriene-3,20-dione Zl-acetate (prepared as described in Example 25F) is dissolved in 30 ml. of carbon tetrachloride and 0.6 ml. of pyridine and there is added at 20 C. a solution of 210 mg. of chlorine in 3.5 ml. of carbon tetrachloride. The mixture is stirred at 20 C. for 15 minutes, then allowed to warm to room temperature over a period of one-half hour. The solution is filtered and the filtrate concentrated in vacuo to a residue which is crystallized from acetone to give @5316 dirnethyl 906,116 dichloro 170:,21 dihydroxyl,4-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione Zl-acetate.

In a similar manner, 65,16a-dimethyl-l'7 u,2l-di hydroxy-4,9(ll)-pregnadiene-3,20-dione Zl-acetate (the compound of Example 25E) is chlorinated with chlorine in carbon tetrachloride and pyridine to give 65,16wdimethyl 90,llfi dichloro 17a,21 dihydroxy 4 pregnene-3,20-dione ZI-acetate.

B. 6a,16c DIMETHYL 911,115 DICHLORO 1711,21 DI- HYDROXY-l,d-PREGNADIENEE,20-DIONE 21-ACETATE To a solution of 0.2 g. of 65,l6adimethyl-l7 x,2l-dihydroxy l,4,9(ll} pregnatriene 3,20 dione 21 acetate (the compound of Example 25F) and 5 g. of lithium chloride in 40 ml. of glacial acetic acid is added 0.41 g. of N-chlorosuccinimide, followed by 0.104 g. of anhydrous hydrogen chloride dissolved in 2.5 ml. of tetrahydrofuran. The reaction mixture is stirred for 2 hours, then poured into ice water. A solid results which is filtered, washed with water and recrystallized from acetonehexane to give 6a,l6a-din1ethyl-9a,llB-dichloro-17a,21- dihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione 2.1-acetate.

in a similar manner, 6,8,16wdirnethyl-i7a,2i-di hydroxy-4,9( l l -pregnadiene-3,20-dione ill-acetate (the compound of Example 25E) is chlorinated with N-chlorosuccinirnide with lithium chloride in glacial acetic acid in the manner described above and the resultant product isolated and purified to give 6a,16oc-dirnethyl-9oc,llfi-dichloro-l7c,21-dihydroxy-4-pregnene 3,20 dione ZI-acetate.

C. 613,165 DIMETHYL 9:1,118 DICHLORO 1711,21 DIHY- DROXY-l,4-PREGNADIENE-3,ZO-DIONE {ll-ACETATE 65,165 dimethyl 1706,21 dihydroxy l,4,9(ll)- pregnatriene-3,20-dione ill-acetate (prepared in the manner described in Example 25F) is reacted with chlorine in carbon tetrachloride and pyridine in the manner described in Example 26A and the resultant product isochloro 17,21 dihydroxy 1,4 pregnadiene 3,20-

dione Zl-acetate.

In a similar manner, 6;8,l6fidimethyl-l7a,2l-dihydroxy-4,9(l l pregnadiene-BJO-dione 2l-acetate (prepared as described in Example 25E) is chlorinated in the above described manner to give 65,16-dirnethyl-9a,1l18- dichloro-l70:,2l-dihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,2O-dione Zl-acetate.

D. 611,165 DIMETHYL 9a,].lB-DICHLORO 17a,21D1HY- DROXY-1,4-PREGNADIENE-3,20-DIONE Ell-ACETATE In the manner described in Example 265, 65,165-dimethyl 17,2l dihydroxy-l,4,9(ll)-pregnatriene-3,20-

dione Zl-acetate (prepared as described in Example 25F) is chlorinated with N-chlorosuccinimide and hydrogen chloride in glacial acetic acid and the resultant product isolated and purified to give 6a,l5fi-dimethyl-9 x,llfi dichlorol7 i,21-dihydroxy l ,4 pregnadiene-3,ZG-dione 2 i acetate.

in a similar manner, 6B,l6fi-dirnethyl-l7a,2l-dihydroxy- 4,9(1l)pregnadiche-S,ZO-dione Zl-acetate (prepared as described in Example 25E) is chlorinated in the above described manner to give 6c,l6fi-dimethyl-9a,llB-dichlorol7a,?!1-dihydroxy-4-p-regnene-3,ZO-dione 2l acetate.

EXAMPLE 27 1 ,5-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione TATE In the manner described in Example lA, 6,8,l6u-dimethyl 9a,l l d dichloro l7a,21-dihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene ZaQG-dione Zl-acetate (the compound of Exantnle 26A) is reacted with N-brcmosuccinimide in chloro'oenzene and carbon tetrachloride and the resultant product isolated and purified to give diatoms-9nd lfl-dichloro- 6,16 dimethyl l701,2l dihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3JO- dlone Zl-acetate.

3. 6,1611 DIMETHYL 9a.,11fl DICHLOKO 1701.,21 DIHY- DROXY-l,5-PREGNADIENE3,20DIONE 2l-ACETATE in the manner described in Example 113, 6-bromo- 9e,l 1,8 dichloro 6,160: dimethyl-l7oc,2l-dihydrox -l,4- pregnadiene-3,20-dione Zl-acetate (prepared as described in Example 27A) is reacted with zinc in aqueous ethanol and the resultant product isolated and purified to give pregnadiene-B',20-dione Zl-acetate.

Alternatively, dihydroxy l,4-pregnadiene-3QJ-dione pared according to the procedure of 2 l-acetate (pie Example 268) is brominatcd with N-brornosuccinimide in the manner of Example 1A to give an intermediate, 6--bromo-9a,ll{3- dichloro 6,16a-dimethyl-l'iell-dihydroxy-1,4-pregnad1- ene-3,20-dionc Zl-acetate, which when reacted with zinc in aqueous ethanol in the above described manner yields the compound of this example, dichlero-17a,2l-dihydroxy-l,5-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dion acetate.

C. 6,16a DIMETHYL 90.,115 e DICHLORO 17a,21 DIHY- DROXY-l,5-PREGNADIENE3,20-DIONE:

pregnadiene-3,20-dione Zl-acetate is hydrolyzed Wit l1 the aid of Fiavobacterium dehydrogcnans in the manner described in Example lC to give 6,l6ot-din1ethyl9oc,l15-

dichloro-l7a,2 l dihydroxy-l ,5-pregnadiene-3,20-dion EXAMPLE 28 1 ,5 pregnad iene-3 ,ZG-dione Going through the sequence of reactions outlined in Example 27, dihvdroxy 1,4 pregnadieneQO-dione Zl-acetate 65,165 dirnethyl-9a,ll/i-clichloro-lhll- (the cue-3,20-dione Ill-acetate.

The Zl-acetate is hydrolyzed to the corresponding 2l-alcohol with the aid of a culture of F Zavobacteriumdehydrogenans to give 6,l6fldimethyl 9a,ll,8 dichloro-l7a,2l-dihydroxy-l,5-pregnadiene-3,20

dione.

EXAMPLE 29 pregnene-iZO-dione methyl :,l1fi dichloro l7a,2l-dihydroxyl-preg 3,20-dione Zlr-acetate,

noneare each reacted with N-brornosnccininiideto give the -brorno intermediates, 6-brorno- 901,113 dichloro 6,160; dirnethyl l7a,2l-dihydroX3-4- pregnene-SQZO-dione Zl-acetate each of which,

acted with zinc in aqucous'ethanol in the manner 0 when ref Ex- 25 the compound 6,16a-dimethyl-9a,1l,8- dlChlOIO-l70t,2l-dl ydroxy--pregnene-3,ZQ-dione 21-acetate. The ZI-acetate is then hydrolyzed by means of Flavobztcterz'zmz dehydrogenans to give 6,16-dimethyl- 9u,ll,8 dichloro 1711,21 dihydroxy- 5-pregnene-3,20-

dione.

EXAMPLE 30 pregnadiene-3,20-dione A. 66,16 DIMETHYL 9:1,11 5 DIFLUORO 17a,21 DIHY- DROXY-l,4-PREGNADIENE-3,20-DIONE 21-ACE'1ATE One gram of 6fl,16a dimethyl 17u,21 dihydroxy- 1,4,9(11)-pregnatriene-3,20-dione ZI-acetaate (the compound of Example 25) is dissolved in 40 ml. of chloroform, chilled to 30 C. in a Dry Ice acetone bath and there is then added with stirring 700 mg. of lead tetrafluoride. The mixture is stirred in the cold for 18 hours, then filtered. The filtrate is evaporated to a residue which is chromatographed on magnesium silicate. The material eluted with 60% ether-in-hexane to 100% ether is combined and crystallized from acetone-hexane to give 65,160:-

ene-3,20-dione 2l-acetate.

In a similar manner, 6,16/3-dimethyl-17a,2l-dihydroxy- 1,4,9(11)-pregnatriene-3,20-dione ZI-acetate (prepared as described in Example 25) is reacted with lead tetrafluoride in the manner described above to give 618,165- dimethyl 9a,1 lfl-difluoro-l7a,2l-dihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione Zl-acetate.

B. G-BROMO 9a,1l,8 DIFLUORO6,16 DIMETHYL-l 711,21- DIHYDROXY-l,4-PREGNADIENE 3,20 DIONE 21-ACE- TATE In a manner similar to that described in Example 1A,

6,8,16u-dimethyl Qua-11,8 difiuoro 17a,21 dihydroxy- 1,4pregnadiene-3,ZG-diene ZI-acetate and 63,16fi-dimethyl-9ct,l1fi-difiuor0 17a,21 dihydroxy-1,4 pregnadiene- 3,20-dione Ill-acetate are each brominated with N-bromosuccinirnide and the resultant products isolated and purified in the described manner to give respectively -bromo- 9a,11,8-difluoro 6,16a-dimethyl-17u,21 dihydroxy 1,4-

pregnadiene-3,2G-dione 21-acetate and 6-bromo-9ot,l1,l3-

difluoro 6,165 dimethyl 17 z,21 dihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate.

C. 6,16 DIMETHYL 911,115 DIFLUORO 17a,2l DIHY- DROXY1,5PREGNADIENE-3,20DIONE 2l-ACETATE 6-bromo 911,115 difluoro 6,16ot-dimethyl-17a,21-dihydroxy 1,4 pregnadiene 3,20-dione 21-acetate and hydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione 21-acetate are each reacted with zinc in aqueous ethanol in the manner of Example 113 and the resultant products isolated and purified in the described manner to give respectively 6,161

dimethyl 9a,11/i difiuoro 17a,21-dihydroxy 1,S-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate and 6,16fi-dimethyl-9a,11,8-

difiuoro-l7a,21-dihydroxy-1,S-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21- acetate.

D. 6,16 DIMETHYL 9:1,115 DIFLUORO 17CL,21 DIHY- DROXY-l,5-PREGNADIENE-3,20-DIONE In the manner described in Example 1C, the 2l-acetate of the 9a,1lB-difluoro-l,5-pregnadienes prepared in Example 300 are subjected to the action of Flavobacterium delzydrogenans and the resultant products isolated and purified to give respectively 6,16a-dimethyl-9a,1lfl-difiuoro- 170:,2l-dihydroxy-1,S-pregnadiene-B,ZO-dione and 6,16,8- dimethyl-9e,11,8 difluoro 1711,21 dihydroxy 1,5-pregnadiene-3,20-dione.

EXAMPLE 31 A. 6,l6DIMETHYL-9a-BROMO11B-FLUORO 17a,21-DII-IY- DROXY-l,4PREGNADIENE-3,20-DION E 21-ACETATE To a solution of 110 mg. of 6/3,16ot-d-imethyl-17a,21

ample 1B yields dihydroxy 1,4,9(11)-pregnatriene 3,20-dione ZI-acetate (the compound of Example 25 in 20 m1. of carbon tetrachloride and 2 ml. of pyridine, there is added a solution of 250 mg. of hydrogen fluoride in 2 mlv of a chloroformtetrahydrofuran mixture (1:2), followed by 220 mg. of N-bromoacetamide The reaction mixture is diluted with sufiicient methylene chloride to give a solution and is stirred for 48 hours at room temperature. The reaction mixture is then poured into aqueous sodium carbonate and extracted with methylene chloride. The onganic extracts are combined, washed with Water, dilute hydrochloric acid and finally with Water. The solution is then dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated to a residue which is dissolved in acetone-ether and filtered through a column of Florisil in other. The eluates are combined, the ether distilled in vacuo and the resultant residue crystallized from methylene chloride-pentane to give 6,'16c-dimethyl c bromo-11fl-fiuoro-17oe21-dihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene 3,20-dione ZI-acetate.

Similarly, 6e,16fl-dimethyl-l7a,21-dihydroXy-l,4,9( 11)- pregnatriene-3,20-dione 21-acetate (prepared as described in Example 25 is reacted with N-bromoacetamide and hydrogen fluoride in the above manner to give 6,16p-dimethyl-9e-bromo 11,8 fluoro 17ec,2l dihydroxy 1,4-

pregnadiene-3,20-dione ZI-acetate.

B. 6,16 DIMETHYL-Qe BROMO 11s FLUORO 170,,21- DIHYDROXY-l,5-PREGNADIENEe3,20-DIONE By going through the sequence of reactions in procedures 1A, 1B and 1C, 6,16wdimethyl-9e-br0mo-11/3- fluoro-:,2l-dihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene 3,20 dione 21- acetate and 6,16,B-dimethyl-9a-bromo-11fi-fluoro-17u,21- dihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-a'cetate are each brominated with N-bromosnccinimide to give respectively 6,9u-dibromo-11fl-fluoro-6,16a-dimethy1 1711,21 dihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20 dione 21-acetate and 6,904- dibromo-l 1B-fiuor0-6, l 6,8-dimethyl-17u,2l-dihydroxy-1,4- pregnadiene-3,20-dione ZI-acetate which, in turn, are each reacted with zinc in aqueous ethanol to give respectively 6,16a-dimethyl-9a-bromo-1lfi-fluoro 1711,21 dihydroxy- 1,5-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione 21-acetate and 6,16/3-dimethyl- 9a bromo-1lfl-fluoro-l70:,21-dihydroxy-1,5-pregnadiene- 3,20-dione ZI-acetate. Hydrolysis of the 21-acetate of the aforementioned compounds by means of Flavobacterium dehydrogenans yields respectively 6,l6ot-dimethyl- 9a-bromo 1lfl-fluoro-l70:,21-dihydroxy-1,S-pregnadiene- 3,20-dione and 6,l6p-dimethyl-9e-bromo-l1,H=fiuoro17a, 21-dihydroxy-1,5-pregnadiene-3,20d-ione.

EXAMPLE 32 Preparation of 9a,11,8-dihal0geno derivatives 0 J6a,17a, 21Jrihydroxy-S-pregnenes and 16u,17a2l-trihydroxy- J ,5 -pregnadienes According to the sequence of reactions outlined in Example 1, 6a-methy 9oc-0hlOIO-1l ,8-fluoro-16a,17u,21-trihydroxy 1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione ZI-acetate, Zen-methyl- 9a-chloro-11;3-fluoro l6ot,l7oc,21 trihydroxy-4-pregnene- 3,20-dione 21-acetate, 9a,11/i-dichloro 16a,17u,21-trihydroxy-1-4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione ZI-acetate, 9a-bromo- 11fifluoro-16a,17a,21 trihydroxy 1,4-pregnadiene-3,20- dione 21-acetate, and 6ot-methyl-9a,11,8-dichloro-16a,17a, ZI-trihydroxy-1-4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate are each brominated with N-bromosuccinimide to yield respectively 6-methyl-6-bromo-9e-chlor0 11B fluoro-16a, 17u,21-trihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate, Zea-methyl 6,8 bromo-9a-chloro-11B-fluoro-16a,17a,21- trihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,ZO-dione 21-acetate, GB-bromo- 9a,1113-dichloro 16a,1704,21-trihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene- 3,20-dione ZI-acetate, 6,8,9a-dibromo-11,8-fluoro-16a,17a, 21-trihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate, and 6-methyl- 6-bromo-9u,1 1B-dichloro-16u,17a,21-trihydroxy- 1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione ZI-acetate, which, in turn, are each reacted with zinc in aqueous ethanol to give respectively 6 methyl 9a chloro-l1,8-fluoro-16ot,17a,21-trihydroxy-1,5-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate, 2ot-methyl- 9 r -chloro-1lfi-fluoro 16e,17m,21 trihydroxy-i-pregnene- 3,20-dione ll-acetate, 900,1lfi-dichloYO-la,171221411113!- droxy-1,5-pregnadiene-3,20-dione ZI-acetate, 9a-bromo- 11e-fluoro-16a,17a,21 trihydroxy 1,S-pregnadiene-3,20- dione 21-acetate, and 6a-methyl-9u,11p-dichloro-16oc,17a, ZI-trihydroxy-1,5-pregnadiene-3,20-dione21-acetate. The 21-acetate of each of the aforementioned compounds are iydrolyzed by means of Flavobacterium dehydrogenans to give respectively 6-IHBthYl-9oc-Gl1lOX'O-1l [3-1111010-16oc, 17a,21-trihydroxy-1,5-pregnadiene-3,20-dione, Zea-methyl- 9oc-ChlO10-11fl-flll0r0 16a,17u,21-trihydroxy-5-pregnene- 3,20-dione, 9a,11 3-dichloro l6ct,17nc,21 trihydroxy-1,5- pregnadiene-3,20-dione, 9a-bromo-11e-lluoro-16a,17m,21- trihydroxy-l,5-pregnadiene-3,20-dione and 6u-rnethy1-9a, llfl-dichloro l6ot,17m,21 trihydroxy 1,5 pregnadiene- 3,20-dione.

EXAMPLE 33 The preparation for 2-methyl-9u,11,B-dihalogeno- 1,5-pregnadienes A. PREPARATION OF 2-iVIETHYL-9a,11fi-DIHALOGENO- 1,4PREGNADIENES 2a-methyl-9a,1lfi-dichloro-l7a,21-dihydroxy 4 pregnene-3,20-dione 21-acetate, Zen-methyl 9a chloro-llfifiuoro-l7a,21-dihydroxy-4pregnene-3,ZO-dione 21-acetate, 2a-methyl-9a,11B-difluoro-17e,21 dihydroxyl-pregnene- 3,20-dione 21-acetate, Zea-mCthYl-9cc-Ch10rO-l15-1111010-1600, l7a-isopropylidenedioxy 21 hydroxy-4-pregnene 3,20- dione ZI-acetate, and 2a-rnethyl-9oc-chloro-1lfl-fluoro- 16a,17a,2l-trihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione 21 acetate are each subjected to the action of a culture of the organism Corynebacterium simplex in the manner described in Example 25F to yield respectively 2-methyl-9a, 115 dichloro 17a,21 dihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20- dione 21-acetate, 2-methyl-9e-chloro-1 1 e-fluoro- 170:,2 ldihydroxy 1,4 pregnadiene 3,20 dione Z1 acetate, 2- methyl-9u,115 dichloro 1711,21-dihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate, 2-methyl-9e-chloro-11 B-fluorcl6a,17a-isopropylidenedioxy-21-hydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene- 3,20-dione 21-acetate, and 2-methyl-9u-ch1oro-1lfl-fluoro- 16a,17m,21-trihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate.

B. z-rvrncrnxL-sa lemnanoenno DERIVATIVES OF 1 -PREGNADIEN E S By going through the sequence of reactions outlined in Example 1, the 2-methyl-9u,1le-dihalogeno-lA-pregnadienes prepared in Example 33A are each brominated with Nbrornosuccinimide to give respectively Z-methyl- 6,6-bromo-9u, 1 lfi-dichloro-l7a,21-dihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate, Z-methyl-613-bromo-9u-chloro- 11fi-fluoro-17a,21-dihydroxy 1,4-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione ill-acetate, 2-methyl-6e-bromo-9e,11e-difluoro-17a,21-dihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate, Z-rnethyl- 6fl-bromo-9a-chloro lIB-fluoro 16e,17u isopropylidenedioxy-Zl-hydroxy-l,4pregnadiene 3,20-dione 2.1 acetate, and Z-methyl-6B-bromo-9u-chl0ro-11,B-fluoro-16e,l7a,21- trihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate which, in turn, are each reacted with zinc in aqueous ethanol to give respectively 2-methyl-9u,1lfi-dichloro-flall-dihydroxy-1,5-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate, 2-methyl-9 achloro-l 1 B-fiuoro17e,21-dihydroxy-1,5-pregnadiene-3,20- dione ZI-acetate, 2-metl1yl-9a,1IB-difiuoro-lhJl-dihydroxy-l,5-pregnadiene-3,20-dione ZI-acetate, 2-methyl-9achloro-l1{3-fluoro 160:,170: isopropylidene-diox -21-hydroxy-1,5-pregnadiene 3,20 dione 21-acetate, and 2- methyl-9a-chloro-1lp-fluoro 16a,17a,21 trihydroxy-1, 5- pregnadiene-3,20-dione 2l-acetate. The 21-acetate of the aforementioned compounds are then converted to their corresponding 21-alcohols with the aid of a culture of F lavobacterium dehydrogenans to give respectively 2- methyl-90ml B-dichloro-17 0:,21 dihydroxy 1,5-pre'gnadiene-3,20-dione, 2-methyl-9a-chloro-11B-fluoro-17oc,21-dihydroxy-l,5-pregnadiene-3,20-dione, 2-methy1-9a,1118-difiuoro-17a,21-dihydroxy-1,5-pregnadiene 3,20 dione, 2-

28 methyl-9a-chloro-1 1 p-fiuoro-16a,17u-isopropylidenedioxy- 2l-hydroxy-1,5-pregnadiene-3,ZQ-dione and 2-methyl-9achloro-l lfl-fluorol6a,-17a,21-trihydroxy-1,S-pregnadiene- 3,20-dione.

EXAMPLE 34 6-methyl-9a,1 1 fl-dichloro-l 7a,21 -dihydroxy-5pregnene- 3,20-dione A. Ga-METHYL-l'la,21-DIHYDROXY-4,9 11 -PREGNA- DIENE-3,20DIONE 21-ACETATE Five grams of 6a-rnethyl-11e,1704,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione 21-acetate are dissolved in 20 ml. of dry dimet-hylt'ormamide and 4 ml. of dry pyridine. The solution is chilled in an ice bath and to it is added dropwise 3.05 g. of methanesulfonyl chloride which has been diluted to 30 ml. with dimethylforrnamide. After the addition has been completed, stirring is continued at room temperature for 48 hours. The reaction mixture is then poured into cold dilute sulfuric acid and the precipitated substance is filtered, air dried and crystallized from methanol to yield 6a-methyl-17a,21-dihydrox -4,9(11)- pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate.

4-PREGNENE-3,20DIONE 21-ACECLA1E In the manner described in Example 26B, fizz-methyll7oc,2l-dihydroxy-4,9(11)-pregnadiene 3,20 dione 21- acetate is reacted with lithium chloride, N-chlorosuccinimide, and hydrogen chloride in glacial acetic acid and the resultant product isolated and purified to give 611- rnethyl-9ot,1lfl-dichloro-17a,21-dihydroxy 4 pregnene- 3,20-dione ZI-acetate.

c. eirErrHYL-Q(1,115-DIcHLono-1mermurnnoxrs- PREGNENE-F),20-DIQNE According to the sequence of reactions outlined in Example 1, 6a-methyl-9a,1lfi-d-ichloro-17u,21-dihydroxy-4- pregnene-3,20-dione ZI-acetate is brominated with N- bromosuccinimide to give 6-rnethyl-6-brorno-9a,1lfl-dichloro-1701,21-dihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,ZO-dione 21-acetate which, in turn, is reacted with zinc in aqueous ethanol to give 6 methyl-9a,11B-dichloro-l7a,21-dihydroxy-5- pregnene-3,20-dione 2l-acetate. The Zl-acetate upon hydrolysis with Flavobacterium dehydrdgenans yields the corresponding 21-alcohol, 6-methyl 170:,21-dihydroxy-5-pregnene-3,ZO-dione.

EXAMPLE 35 9u-i0cl0-11fl-flu0r0J6-methyl-1711,21-dihydr0xy-1 ,5- pregnadiene-3,20-di0ne A. 9alODO-llfi-FLUOR0-16-METHYL-17e,21-DIHYDROXY- 1,4-PREGNADIENE-3,20-DIONE ZLACETATE To a solution of 550 mg. of 16a-methyl-17u,21-dihydroxy-l ,4,9(1l)-pregnatriene-3,20-dione 21-acetate and 3.0 g. of potassium fluoride in 40 ml. of dimethylsulfoxide there is added 300 mg. of N-iodosuccinimide. The reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature for 16 hours, poured into ice-water, and extracted with methylene chloride. The organic extracts are then treated with decolorizing carbon, and concentrated in vacuo. The resultant residue is chrornatographed on silica gel, the fraction eluted with 50% ether-hexane yielding 9e-iodo-11B- fiuoro-lGoa-methyl-17a,2l-dihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene3,20- dione 21-acetate.

Similarly, led-methyl 170;,21 dihydroxy1,4,9(11)- pregnatriene-3,20-dione 21-acetate is reacted with potassium fluoride and N-iodosuccinimide to give 9a-iodo-l1fifluoro-1613-methyl-17a,21-dihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20- dione 21-acetate.

B. Sa-IODO-11fl-FLUORO-lG-METHYL-lla,21-DIHYDROXY- 1ArPREGNADIENE-3,20-DIONE A solution of 2.5 g. of 9a-iodo-11B-fiuoro-l6a-methy1- 17u,21-dihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21 acetate in m1. of a 3:1 methanol-chloroform mixture is chilled in ice, to which is added dropwise 52 ml. of 0.1 N-sodiu'm hydroxide solution (1 equivalent). The re- 904,115 dichloro-' action mixture is stirred at C. for minutes, then diluted with water and extracted with methylene chloride. Evaporation of the solvent and crystallization of the residue from acetone-hexane affords 9a-l0dO-l1,8 fiuoro-l6wmethyl 1704,21 dihydroxy-l,4-preguadiene- 3,20-dione.

90tlOdO-1 l/3-fluoro-l6,8-methyl-l7a,2l-dihydroxy 1,4- pregnadiene-3,20-dione 2l-acetate is hydrolyzed in the above described manner to give 9u-iodo-ll[3-fiuoro-l6B methyl-lhJl-dihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20dione.

HYDROXY-l,d-PREGNADIENEBBO-DIONE Into each of ten 300 ml. Erlenmeyer flasks is placed 100 ml. of a growth medium having the following composition:

G. Difco yeast extract 3-10 Corn steep liquor 1 Dextrose 10 Distilled or tap water, q.s. to one liter Each flask is inoculated with spores from an agar medium culture of Clzzzetomium funicolum (QM No. 33C) 01 with a 1-10% submerged inoculum which has been grown for 24-48 hours. The mixture is incubated by shaking the flasks on a rotary shaker for 24-48 hours at 28 C. at approximately 250 r.p.m. To each of the flasks (now showing prolific growth) is added, aseptically, 50 mg. of 9e-iodo-ll/i-fluoro-l6amethyl-17a,21-dihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione in 2 ml. of ethanol. The fermentation mixture is then incubated and shaken for 24-72 hours at 28 C. after which time complete conversion occurs. The nn'xture is extracted thoroughly with chloroform and the small fraction of the product which is retained within the mycelium is extracted by boiling the mycelium in chloroform for a few minutes. The chloroform extracts are combined and evaporated to a residue yielding approximately 5 mg. of crude material. The residue is triturated with methanol affording a crystalline solid which is purified by crystallization from acetone yielding 9a-iodo-l1,8-fluoro-16ot-methyl- 6,6,l70:,21-trihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione.

In a similar manner, 9cx-iodo-llfl-fiuoro-l6B-methyll7ot,-2l-dihydroxy-l4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione is subjected to the action of Chaetomz'um fzmicolum to give 9cz-i0d0- 11B fluoro-l6,8-methyl-6,B,l7ot,2l-trihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione.

D. 9a-IODO-llfi FLUORO 16 METHYL-Sfll'ZaZLTRIHY- DROXY 1,4 PREGNADIENE 3,20 DIONE 8,21DIACE- TATE A solution of mg. of 9a-iodo-l1,8-fluoro-l6a-methyl- 6fl,l7a,2l-tiihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione in 2 m1. of anhydrous pyridine is poured into 100 mg. of acetic anhydride in an anhydrous atmosphere. The mixture is stirred for minutes then poured into dilute sulfuric acid and ice. The resultant precipitate is removed by filtration, dried and crystallized from methanol yielding 90c iodo-llB-fluoro-16a-methyl-6/3,17u,2l-trihydroxy-1,4- pregnadiene-3,20-dione 6,2l-diacetate.

In a similar manner, the l6fi-methyl triol prepared as described in Example C is esterified in the above manner to give Qa-iodo-llB-fluoro-ldB-methyl-6B,17a,2l-tri- 'hydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione 6,21-diacetate. E. sa-lonodle-nLuono-l6-\IETHYL 17a,21-I IHYDROXY- l,5-PREGNADIENE3,20-DIONE 21-ACETATE 9a-iodo-1le-fiuoro-l6u-methyl 65,170411 trihydroxy- 1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 6,21-diacetate (30 mg.) is dissolved in 20 ml. of ethanol and 1 ml. of water. Zinc filings (100 mg.) are added and the suspension stirred for one hour at 90 C. The solution is cooled, the zinc filtered, and the resulting filtrate concentrated to a residue substantially of 9e-iodo-ll/i-fiuoro-l6ct-methyl-l7a,2l-dihydroxy-1,5-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione 21-acetate.

in a similar manner, 9a-iodo-llfi-fluoro-lGfi-methyl- 30 6,8,l7ot,2l-trlhydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,2O dione 6,2l-diacetate is reacted with zinc in aqueous ethanol to give 9cz-i0dO-l lB-fiuoro-l6B-methyl 17a,2l dihydroxy 1,5- pregnadiene-3,20-dione 2l-acetate.

1,5-PREGNADIENE-3,20-DIONE In the manner described in Example 1C, 9oz-i0dO-11B- iluoro-l6a-methyl-l7a,2l dihydroxy 1,5 pregnadiene- 3,20-dione 21-acetate and 9a-iodo-llB-fluoro-16,8-methyl 17ct,2l-dihydroxy-l,5-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione 21 acetate are each reacted with Flavobaczerz'um dehydrogenans and the resultant products isolated to give respectively 9miodo-l lB-fiuoro-l6ot-methyl-l7a,2l dihydroxy 1,5-pregnadiene-3,20-dione and 90L-lOClO-11/3-flll0f0 16,6 methyll7a,2l-dihydroxy-1,5-pregnadiene-3,20-di0ne.

Alternatively, the compound of this example may be prepared as described in following procedures G, H and I. G. 9a-IODO-11,8FLUORO 1e METHYL 613,170.,21-TRIHY- DROXY-1,4PREGNADIENE3,20-DIONE 21-ACETATE A solution of 25 mg. of 9u-iodo-1lB-fluoro-l6a-methyl- 6,8,170:,2l-trihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene 3,20 dione (prepared as described in Example 35C) in 2 ml. of anhydrous pyridine is poured into 6 ml. of acetic anhydride in a nitrogen atmosphere. The mixture is stirred for 30 minutes then poured into dilute sulfuric acid and ice. The resultant precipitate is removed by filtration, dried and crystallized from methanol yielding 9a-iodo-1lfifluoro-lot-methyl-fi,l7e,2l-trihydroxy-1,4 pregnadiene- 3,20-dione ZI-acetate.

Similarly, 9a-l0d0- l lfl-fiuoro-16/i-methyl-6fi, 17a,2l-trihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione (prepared as described in Example 35C) is reacted in the above manner to give 9oc-iodo-llfl-fluoro-l6fl-methyl 6,8,17a,21 trihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 2l-acetate.

H. Qa-IODO-llfi-FLUORO 16 METHYL 6 3,17a,21-TRIHY- DROXY 1,4 PREGNADIENE3,20-DIONE 6 METHANE- SULFONAIE 21-ACETA1E mg. of 9OL-l0d -1 1,8-fit1oro-16a-methyl-6fi,l7ot,21-trihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene 3,20 dione 21 acetate is dis solved in 0.4 ml. of methylene chloride and 0.4 ml. of pyridine. The solution is cooled to 0 C. and 1.6 m1. of methanesulfonyl chloride is added. After stirring for two hours at 0 C, the mixture is left overnight at room temperature. The reaction mixture is then poured into water and the resultant precipitate is filtered and air dried to give 9a-iOClO-1 lB-fiuorol 6ot-methyl-6B, 17a-2 l -trihydroxy- 1,4-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione 6 methanesulfonate 21 acetate.

in a similar manner, 9ot-iodo-llfi-fluoro-IQB-methyl- 6,8,l7u,2l-trihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,20 dione 21-acetate is reacted with methanesulfonyl chloride in the above manner to give 9u-iodo-llfi-fluoro-l6fi-methyl-6,l3,17a,21- trihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,20 dione 6 methanesulfonate 21-acetate.

I. Qa-IODO-l1fl-FLUORO16-METHYL-l7a,21-DIHYDROXY- 1,5PREGNADIENE-3,ZO-DIONE 9ot-iodo-llB-fluoro-lM-methyl 6/3,l7a,21 trihydroxy- 1,4-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione G-methanesulfonate 21-acetate is reacted with zinc in aqueous ethanol in the manner described in Example 35E to give 9ot-iodo-llfi-fluoro-l6umethyl-17mll-dihydroxy-l,5-pregnadiene-3,20 dione 21- acetate which when subjected to the action of Flavobaczerz'um dehydrogenans in the manner of Example 1C yields 9a-iodo-l l ,8-fluoro-l6oc-methyl-l7a,21 dihydroxy- 1,5-pregnadiene-3,20-dione.

In a similar manner, 9ot-iodo-11 3-fluor0-16 3-methyl- 6/3,l7zx,2l-trihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione, 6-methanesulfonate 2l-acetate is reacted with zinc in aqueous ethanol in the above manner to give 9u-iodo-11B-fluorol6/3-rnethyl 17ct,2l dihydroxy 1,5-pregnadiene 3,20- dione 21-acetate which is hydrolyzed to the corresponding 21-alcohol by means of Flavobacterz'zm: dehydrogenans to give 91x-i0dO-1 l/3-1'luoro-l6,8-methyl-17a,21-dihydroxyl,5-pregnadiene-3,20-dione.

A third method for preparing the compound of this example is described in following procedures I and K.

J. 9a-IODO 115 FLUORO-l6-METHYL-66,17a,21 TRIHY- nnoxy-ia-rnnonnnrnnn 3,20-DNE1 (S-p-TOLUENE- SULFONATE 21-ACETATE To a solution of 40 mg. of 9u-iOClO-11B-flllOIO-l6ocmethyl-65,17a,21-trihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20 dione ll-acetatc (prepared as described in Example 356) in 2 ml. of anhydrous pyridine is added 100' mg. of p-toluenesultonyl chloride and the mixture is stirred for one hour.

The solution is poured into aqueous sulfuric acid and ice. The resultant precipitate is removed by filtration,

Washed with water, dried and crystallized from acetonetrihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,20 dione 6-p-toluenesulfonate 21-acetate.

in a similar manner, 9oc-iodo-11,3-fluoro-16fi-methyl- 6,6,17a,21-trihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione 21 acetate (prepared as described in Example 356) is reacted with p-toluenesulfonyl chloride to give 9a-iOdO-l lfi-fiuoro- 1dfi-methylhp,17a,21-trihydroxy-1,4 pregnadiene 3,20- dione o-p-toluenesulfonate ZI-acetate.

The 160: methyl 6 p-toluenesulfonate-Zl-acetate-l,4- pregnadiene of Example 35] is reacted with zinc in aqueous ethanol in the manner described in Example 113 and the resultant product isolated and purified to give 9a-iodo- 1.1 S-fluoro-16u-methyl-l7a,2l-dihydroxy-l ,S-pregnadiene- 3,20-dione 21-acetate which is hydrolyzed by means of F lavobacterium dehydrogenans in the manner of Example 1C to give 9e-iodo-1iii-fluoro-16a-methyl-17a,21-dihydroxy-1,5-pregnadiene-3,20-dione.

In a similar manner, the 16g3-methyl-6p-toluenesulfonate-Zl-acetate-l,4-pregnadiene (prepared as described in Example 353) is reacted with zinc in aqueous ethanol to give 9a-iodo-1lfi-fluord1fi-methyl-17d,2l-dihydroxy 1,5pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione 21-acetate which is hydrolyzed with Flavobacterium dehydregenans to give 9a-i0d0-11flfiuoro 165 methyl-17u,21-dihydroxy-1,5-pregnadiene-3, ZO-dione.

EXAMPLE 36 6-methyl-9a-iod0-1 1 B-fluoro-Z 7:2,21 -dihydr0xy -1 ,5 pregnadiene-3,20-dione A. Ga-METHYL-9 a-IODOdlB-FLUORO-l'i cn,21-DIHYDROXY- 1,4 PREGNADIENE-3,20 DIONE ZLACETATE 60c methyl-17ml1-dihydroxy-1,4,9(11)-pregnatriene-3 ZQ-dione 21-acetate is reacted with potassium fluoride and N-iodosuccinimide in the manner described in Example 35A to give 6a-methyl-9e-iodo-11{i-fluoro-17a,21-dihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione ill-acetate.

B. G'METHYL-S-BROMO-Qa-IODO-11B-FLUORO-17m,2l-DI- HYDROXY-l,4-PREGNADIENE-3,20-DIONE 21-ACETATE In the manner described in Example 1A, Goa-methyl- 90c iodo 11(3 fiuoro-lhJl-dihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene- 3,20-dione 21-acetate is reacted with N-bromosuccinimide and the resultant product isolated and purified to give 6- methyl-6-bromo-9a-iodo-11(it-fluoro-l7a,21-dihydroxy-1,4- pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate.

o. G-METHYL-tla-IODO-llfi-FLUORO-17a,21-DIHYDROXY- 1,5-PREGNADIENE'3,20-DIONE 21-ACETATE In the manner of Example 113, 6-methyl-6-bromo-9otiodo 11B-fluoro-l7a,21-dihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,20- dione 21-acetate is reacted with zinc in aqueous ethanol to give 6 methyl-9a-iodo-l15-fluoro-17a,21-dihydroxy-1,5- pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate.

D. G-METHYLSa-IODO11B-FLUORO-17a.,21-DIHYDROXY 1 ,5PREGNADIENE-3,20-DIONE The 21-acetate of Example 36C is hydrolyzed to the corresponding ill-alcohol by means of F lavobacterium dehydrogenans in the manner described in Example 1C to give 6-methyl-9e-iodo-11 fi-fiuoro-17a,21-dihydroxy-1,S- pregnadiene-3,20-dione.

By going through the sequence of reactions described in above procedures A-D, 6,8,16oc-dimethyl-17a,21-dihydroxy-1,4,9(11 )-pregnatricne-3,20-dione 21-acetate and 613,165 dimethyl 17m,21-dihydroxy1,4,9(l1)-pregnatriene-3,20-dione 21-acetate (prepared as described in Example 25) are each reacted with N-iodosuccinimide and potassium fluoride to give respectively 65,l6a-dimethyla iodo 11B fluoro-17a,2l-dihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene- 3,20-dione ll-acetate and 6B,16{3-dimethyl-9a-iodo-11nfluoro 17e,21 dihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione 21- acetate each of which, when reacted with N-bromosuccinimide, yields respectively 6,16m-dimethyl-6-bromo-9aiodo fluoro-17or,2l-dihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20- dione and 6,165-dimethyl-o-bromo-9cc-iodo-llfi-fluorol7oc,2l dihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione 21-acetate. The reaction with zinc in aqueous ethanol of each of the aforementioned 6-bromo intermediates yields respectively 6,16a dimethyl-9a-iodo-1lp-fluoro-17a,21-dihydroxy-1,5- pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate and 6,16/3-dimethyl-9uiodo 11f; fluoro-lhJl-dihydroxy-l,5-pregnadiene-3,20- dione 21-acetate each of which, upon hydrolysis with F lavobacterium dehydrogenans, yields respectively 6,160:- dimethyl-9a-iOdo-1 lli-fluoro-17a,21-dihydroxy-1,S-pregnadiene-3,20-dione and 6,16g3-dimethyl-9wiodo-1lfi-fluoro- 17a,21-dihydroxy-1,5-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione.

EXAMPLE 37 6-methyl-9a,11B-dibromo-I 7u,21-dihydr0xy-1,5- pregnadiene-3,20dione A. e@rrnrHYL-si im-mnnoiuo-17a,21-mrrYDRoXY-1,i- PREGNADIENE-3,20-DIONE 21-ACE'1ATE To a solution of 1.0 g. of 6a-methyl-17 u,21-dihydroxy- 1,4,9(11)-pregnatriene-3,20-dione 21-acetate in 40 ml. of methylene chloride, there is added dropwise at 0 C. a solution of 420 mg. of bromine in 5 ml. of methylene chloride. The reaction mixture is stirred at 0 C. for one hour then diluted with methylene chloride, washed with water, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and concentrated in vacuo. The residual oil is dissolved in acetone, treated with decolorizing carbon and crystallized from acetone-hexane yielding 6a-rnethyl9a,1lfi-dibromo- :,21 dihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione Zl-acetate.

B. sarnrnrL-e,9a,1re-rnrnnoMo-17a,21-DInYDR0xY 1,4-PREGNADIENE-3,20-DIONE Ell-ACETATE 60c methyl-90rd1ddibromo-l7a,21-dihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione ZI-acetate is reacted with N-bromosuccinimide and the resultant product isolated and purifield in the manner described in Example 1A to give 6- methyl 6,906,116 tribromo 17 a,21-dihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,2 0-dione 21-acetate.

C. G-METHYL-Qa.,1lyS-DIBROMO-17a,21-DIHYDROXY-l,5- PREGNADIENE-3,20-DIONE 21-ACETATE 6-rnethyl-6,9a,1 1fi-tribromo-17u,21-dihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione ZI-acetate is reacted with zinc in aqueous ethanol in the manner described in Example 1B to give 6-methyl9m,11B-dibromo-17a,21-dihydroxy-1,5-pregnadiene-B,20-dione ZI-acetate.

D. (SAIECLHYLA)ct,11B-DIBROMO17a,21-DIHYDROXY-1,5- PREGNADIENE3,20-DIONE In the manner described in Example 1C, the ZI-acetate of Example 37C is hydrolyzed by means of Flavobacterium dehydrogenans and the resultant product isolated and purified to give 6-rnethyl-9a,1lfi-dibromo-YMJl-dihydroxy-l ,5-pregnadiene-3 ,ZO-dione.

Similarly, by going through the series of reactions outlined in procedures 37A-D, 6,16a-dimethyl-l7u,21-dihydroxy 1,4,9(ll) pregnatriene 3,20 dione 21 acetate, 6,3,l6fi dimethyl 1705,21 dihydroxy 1,4,9(l1)- pregnatriene 3,20 dione 21 acetate, 16cc methyll70c,2l dihydroxy 1,4,9(11) pregnatriene 3,20- dione 21 acetate and 613 methyl 17oz,21 dihydroxy- 1,4,9(11) pregnatriene 3,20 dione 21 acetate are first brominated to yield respectively 6fi,16a-dirnethyl- 901,115 dibromo 1701,21 dihydroxy 1,4 pregnadierie 3,20 dione 21 acetate, 65,165 dimethyl 901,115- dibromo 1701,21 dihydroxy 1,4 pregnadiene 3,20 dione 21 acetate, 1601 methyl 901,115 dibromo- 1711,21 dihydroxy 1,4 pregnadiene 3,20 dione 21- acetate and 165 methyl 911,115 dibromo 1701,21- dihydroxy 1,4 pregnadiene 3,20 dione 21 acetate each of which are then converted to the respective 6- bromo intermediates, i.e. 6,1601 dimethyl 6,901,115- tribromo 1701,21 dihydroxy 1,4 pregnadiene 3,20- dione 21 acetate, 6,165 dimethyl 6,901,115 tribromo 1701,21 dihydroxy 1,4 pregnadiene 3,20 dione 21 acetate, 1601 methyl 65,901,115 tribrorno 1701,21- dihydroxy 1,4 pregnadiene 3,20 dione 21 acetate and 1 65 methyl 65,911,115 tribromo 1701,21 dihydroxy 1,4 pregnadiene 3,20 dione 21 acetate. Upon treatment of the aforementioned 6-brorn0 intermediates with zinc in aqueous ethanol there is obtained, respectively, 6,1601-dimethyl-901,l151dibromo-1701,2l-dihydroxy 1,5 pregnadiene 3,20 dione 21 acetate, 6,165 dimethyl 901,115 dibromo 1 1701,21 dihydroxy- 1,5-pregnadiene 3,20 dione 21 acetate, 1601 methyl- 901,115 dibromo 1701,21 dihydroxy 1,5 pregnadiene-3,2-dione 2l-acetate, and 165-methyl-901, 115-dibr0-' mo 1701,21 dihydroxy- 1,5 pregnadiene 3,20-dione 2l-acetate each of which when hydrolyzed with Flavobacterium dehydrogenans, 1 yields 6,1601-dimethyl 901,l15- dibromo 170 ,21: dihydroxy 1,5 pregnadiene 3,20- dione, 6,165 dimethyl 901,115 dib romo 1711,21 -.di hydroxy 1,5 '-pregnadien'e 3,20 dione, 1601 methyl- 901,115 dibromo 1701,21 dihydroxy 1,5 pregnadiene 3,20 dione, and 165 methyl 911,115 dibromo- 1701,21- dihydroxy 1,5 pregnadiene 3,20 dione.

EXAMPLE 3'8 6 -methyl-901,1 I 5-dich loro-J 6 01,] 701-isopropylidenedioxy- 21 -hydr0xy-1 ,5-pregnadiene-3,20-dione A. 6-METHYIr6-BROMO 9c1,115 DICHLORO 16c1,17a-ISO- PROPYLIDENEDIOXY 21 HYDROXY 1,41 PREGNA- DIENE-3,20-DIONE 21-ACETATE B. G-METHYL 911,115 DICHLORO 1611,1711. ISOPROPYL- IDENEDIOXY 21 HYDROXY-l,5-PREGNADIENE-3,20- DIONE 21ACETATE 6 methyl 6 bromo 901,115 dichloro 1611,1701- isopropylidene dioxy 21 hydroxy 1,4 pregnadiene- 3,20-dione ZI-acetate (800 mg.) is dissolved in 10 ml. of tetrahydrofuran and 4 g. of magnesium turnings are added. This mixture is stirred at room temperature for one hour then 25 ml. of 5% aqueous ammonium sulfate is added. This mixture is stirred another hour then chloroform is added and the organic solvent layer is separated from the aqueous layer. The chloroform solution is concentrated in vacuo to yield a residue of 6- methyl 901,115 dichloro 1611,1701 isopropylidenedioxy 21 hydroxy 1,5 pregnadiene 3,20 dione 2l-acetate.

C. 6-METHYL 911,115 DICHLORO 1611,1711 ISOPROPYL- IDENEDIOXY-Zl-HYDROXY 1,5 PREGNADIENE 3,20- DIONE The 2l-acetate of Example 383 is hydrolyzed to the corresponding 21-alcohol with the aid of a culture of Flavobacterium dehydrogenans in the manner described in Example 1C to yield 6 methyl 901,115 dichloro- 1601,1701 isopropylidenedioxy 21 hydroxy 1,5 pregnadiene-3,20-dione.

34 'WecIaimE-"T" 1. Compounds of the group consisting of 901,115-dihalogeno-1,5-pregnadienes of the following formulae:

ICHzOR HSCI) and wherein A and W are members of the group consisting of hydrogen and methyl, at least one of A and W being hydrogen; X is halogen; Y is a halogen having an atomic weight less than 126; Z is a member of the group consisting of hydrogen, lower alkyl, and OR, wherein R is a member of the group consisting of hydrogen and lower alkanoyl, and when R is hydrogen, the 1601,1701alky1- idenedioxy derivatives thereof; and R is a member of the group consisting of hydrogen and acid radicals of the group consisting of hydrocarbon monocarboxylic acids having up to 8 carbon atoms, dibasic organic acids having upto 8 carbon atoms, sulfate, and phosphate.

2. 901 X Y 1701,21 dihydroxy 5 pregnene-3,20-dione wherein X is halogen and Y is a halogen having an atomic weight less than 126.

3. 901 X 115 Y 1701,21 dihydroxy 1,5 pre a nadiene-3,20-dione wherein X is a halogen and Y is a halogen having an atomic weight less than 126.

4. The 2l-acylates of 901-X-115-Y-1701,21-dihydroxy- 1,S-pregnadiene-3,20-dione wherein X is halogen and Y is a halogen having an atomic weight less than 126, and the acyl group is that of a hydrocarbon monocarboxylic acid containing up to 8 carbon atoms.

5. 901. X 115 Y 6 methyl 1701,21 dihydroxy- 1,5-pregnadiene-3,20-dione wherein X is halogen and Y is a halogen having an atomic weight less than 126.

6. 901 X 115 Y 16- methyl 1701,21 dihydroxy- 1,5-pregnadiene3,20-dione wherein X is halogen and Y is a halogen having an atomic weightless than 126.

7. The 21-acylates of 901-X-1 15-Y-16 methyl-1701,21-dihydroxy-l,5-pregnadiene-3,20-dione wherein X is halogen and Y is a halogen having an atomic weight less than 126, and the acyl group is that of a hydrocarbon monocarboxylic acid containing up to 8 carbon atoms.

8. 901 X 115 Y 1601,1701 isopropylidenedioxy-Zl- 11. 911,115 dichloro 170:,21 dihydroxy -pregnene- 3,20-dione.

12. 9u,115 dichloro 1701,21 dihydroxy- 1,5 -pregnadiene-3,20-dione.

13. 6 methyl 901,115 dichloro 1701,21 dihydroxy- 1,5-pregnadie-ne-3,ZO-dione.

14. 90;,115 dichlo ro 16a methyl 17a,2l dihydroxy-l,5-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione.

15. 90:,115 dichloro 16B methyl 1701,21 dihydroxy- 1,5-pregnadiene-3 ,ZO-dione.

16. 901,115 dichloro 16a,17a,21 trihydroxy 1,5- pregnadiene-3,20-dione.

17. 90,115 dichloro 6,16 dimethyl 1701,21 dihydroxy- 1,5 -pregnadiene-3 ,20-dione.

18. 90:,115 dichloro 1701,21 dihydroxy 1,5 pregnadiene-3,20-dione 2l-acetate.

19. 901,115 dichloro 160: methyl 170:,21 dihydroxy-l,5-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione 21-acetate.

20. 901,1119 dichloro 16B methyl 1711,21 dihydroxy-l,5-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione 21-acetate.

21. A compound of the group consisting of steroid derivatives of the following formulae:

and

CHtOR wherein A is a member of the group consisting of hydrogen and methyl; X is halogen; Y is a halogen having an atomic weight lessthan 126; Z is a member of the group consisting of H, lower alkyl, and OR, wherein R is a member of the group consisting of hydrogen and lower alkanoyl and when R is hydrogen, the 16,170L-211kY1id6H6- dioxy derivatives thereof; and R is a member of the group consisting of hydrogen and acid radicals of the group consisting of hydrocarbon monocarboxylic acids having up to 8 carbon atoms, dibasic organic acids having up to 8 carbon atoms, sulfate, and phosphate; and, when A is hydrogen, the 6-methyl-analogs thereof.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Gould et a1. July 14, 1959 Nussbaum et al Oct. 13, 1959 OTHER REFERENCES UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No, 3,,Ol3 Oll December I23 I961 Alexahder L Nussbaum et a1,

It is hereby certified that error appears in the above numbered patent requiring correction and that the said Letters Patent should reed as corrected below.

Column 35,, lines 23 to 35,, the formulas shoul and column 36,, lines I to 13 I the patent: I

d appear as. shown below instead'of as is Signed and sealed this 19th day of July I962.

(SEAL) Attest:

ERNEST W. SWIDER I Attesting Officer DAVID L, LADD Commissioner of Patents 

1. COMPOUNDS OF THE GROUP CONSISTING OF 9A,11B-DIHALOGENO-1,5-PREGNADIENES OF THE FOLLOWING FORMULAE: 